What happens to squirrels in hurricanes?

[Radagast]

There is a hurricane that is probably coming our way, and I'm worried about the wild squirrels. Is there anything I can do?

[Rocky1]

I have both the same question and some ideas:

--After storms, I look around for downed nests and animals in distress. If I see a pile of debris near a storm drain, I look at the pile to see if any small animals are there (so far I haven't found any, but it seems like a logical place one might end up if it gets caught in the water flowing down a road).

babies
If I find babies and no mother, I will warm them up and try to put them in a reasonably safe location, such as NOT in the road, and watch from a distance to see if the mother shows up and to ensure that NO predators (cats, dogs, people, etc.) interfere. If they do, I will try to find another time in the daytime to reunite them when fewer predators are around, and see instructions for baby care in the meantime. I keep a plastic box with fleece on hand just in case. (A heating pad with NO automatic shut off will be very useful if they need to be kept overnight.) It's okay to put the whole box out as mother squirrels should call for the babies and the babies should squeak back. They should hear each other.

--After storms, I might put out supplies that I think they might want or need like paper towels (not sure why my squirrels really like those), dry leaves, and quilt size pieces of old t shirts, and a few walnuts too just because I feel bad for them.

--Prior to a storm, if possible, I might try to create a space that I think would be safe for a squirrel or similar creature to go. They may or may not use it depending on many factors.

--Depending on how far you want to go, the other most useful supplies for taking care of squirrels IMO are a 1cc feeding syringe with nipple and welding gloves so you don't get bit when dealing with older squirrels or possibly most other kinds of wildlife. And a cage or pet carrier.

--For myself and animals, I usually fill up water bottles prior to a storm as well.

[Rocky1]

:bump

[Radagast]

Thank you for the suggestions! I am so worried. I have a shed in back that looks like someone tried to chew a little bit of a hole in near the roof. I'm worried the hole isn't big enough for them to get in. Do you know how big of a hole they need? Are there any other places they like to hide during a storm?

[Rocky1]

I believe 2 inches in diameter.

Places to hide, somewhere that is unlikely to get flooded or blown down.

Found this too, https://www.quora.com/Where-do-the-squirrels-go-during-hurricanes

I would like to know what other people on here have done that worked.

[Rocky1]

Maybe another option, that would require a specific set up house-wise. If one has:

1. A solid home that's unlikely to flood.
2. A good room for squirrels (where the room's contents, the room, and the squirrels could be safe)
3. An outside door on that room

Then, it may be possible to let them into that room ahead of the storm and keep them there until the storm is over. It might require luring them in with some nuts and supplying food until they can leave. Before doing this, I would check with someone in the know to find out what damage squirrels might cause to ensure that that is an okay set up for the duration of the storm. (I would also be decent enough to supply some cubby holes, maybe some squirrel-safe toys, and areas for them to hide so they don't panic.) I would also find a way to observe whether or not any of them have nipples which probably means that that one should be with her babies, and not trapped inside if they are outside.

[Radagast]

Maybe another option, that would require a specific set up house-wise. If one has:

1. A solid home that's unlikely to flood.
2. A good room for squirrels (where the room's contents, the room, and the squirrels could be safe)
3. An outside door on that room

Then, it may be possible to let them into that room ahead of the storm and keep them there until the storm is over. It might require luring them in with some nuts and supplying food until they can leave. Before doing this, I would check with someone in the know to find out what damage squirrels might cause to ensure that that is an okay set up for the duration of the storm. (I would also be decent enough to supply some cubby holes, maybe some squirrel-safe toys, and areas for them to hide so they don't panic.) I would also find a way to observe whether or not any of them have nipples which probably means that that one should be with her babies, and not trapped inside if they are outside.I wonder if there is a way to actually create a squirrel haven in an attic on purpose. My husband will kill me for suggesting this, but I'm going to research this anyway. I already have squirrels visiting my non release orphan squirrel on her balcony. One chewed a hole through our screen and put sunflower seeds (from our back deck) in front of her indoor cage! I never patched the hole. When I let Mystique out (she's in perfect health) she just sniffs the hole and goes the other way. I guess I kinda want to give her the option to leave, but she shows no interest. But I would like to give the outdoor squirrels somewhere to go, however. The shed held up perfectly when we were pummeled by hurricane Sandy. I think I need to make sure it's accessible to squirrels only, no hawks or raccoons. maybe a reinforced hole near the roof. Hmmm. I also think putting nesting boxes in there near the ceiling rafters could work. Any ideas?

[Rocky1]

I've seen some fantastic squirrel boxes and squirrel houses. Maybe one or a few of those could be included in or partially in the attic, or attached (very securely) near the top of the shed (higher up means less likely to be disturbed by ground predators or flood waters).

Google image "squirrel box" and you'll see some wonderful designs. There is a TSB store as well but I am not sure if squirrel boxes are sold. Personally, I would try to get one made out of squirrel friendly wood from the squirrel diet pdf, http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?44440-Healthy-Diet-for-Pet-Squirrels

Safe Trees (per diet pdf):
Apple, aspen, birch, black walnut,
bottlebrush, cherry, dogwood,
hickory, locust, magnolia,
maple, mulberry, oak, orange, pear, poplar,
raintree, spruce, walnut

If I lived in the country, I would consider making an inexpensive but sturdy little shack or shed just for them, or a gigantic outdoor release cage WITH a 2 inch entrance/exit hole in it JUST LIKE THE REHABBERS USE. However, I would also check rain gutters and roof/attic vents a couple times a year to ensure that additional "apartments" aren't under construction by the squirrels.

[Rocky1]

The only reason for the last sentence on my previous post is that personally I try to keep relations between the squirrels and people as good as possible. I don't think they are particularly likely to damage property if they have plenty of shelter and there are no readily available holes to enlarge, but in my case, if they did start that, I would want to be the one to find out first since I know I can handle it with mercy and without they're becoming an enemy out of someone else.