Very injured Squirrel

[Squirrely2]

I have a several Squirrel’s in my back yard. I feed them just about every day. I have had my share of injured Squirrels, but right now, I have one that is pretty bad. It is a young adult that has some hind end problem. One leg barley works, and the other is getting worse. At first, I thought it was a broken leg. Now I think it is more along the lines of a broken back. His back arches kind of funny. He gets around fairly well. He drags his left hip and pushes with the other hind leg. I have no idea what I or anyone can do for this little bugger. I just know a Cat, Dog or Hawk will get him one of these days, I guess I need to just let nature take its course, but boy it sure is hard to see this little guy struggle especially when another Squirrel goes after him. They are not the most civilized society.
Any Ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Thank You!
Squirrely2

[stepnstone]

I have a several Squirrel’s in my back yard. I feed them just about every day. I have had my share of injured Squirrels, but right now, I have one that is pretty bad. It is a young adult that has some hind end problem. One leg barley works, and the other is getting worse. At first, I thought it was a broken leg. Now I think it is more along the lines of a broken back. His back arches kind of funny. He gets around fairly well. He drags his left hip and pushes with the other hind leg. I have no idea what I or anyone can do for this little bugger. I just know a Cat, Dog or Hawk will get him one of these days, I guess I need to just let nature take its course, but boy it sure is hard to see this little guy struggle especially when another Squirrel goes after him. They are not the most civilized society.
Any Ideas will be greatly appreciated.
Thank You!
Squirrely2

Trying to locate a rehabber that can care for him or taking him in accessing his injuries and getting him on ab's and a steroid treatment would be to his benefit. Leaving him pitted against cats, dogs or hawks in his condition is a cruel death sentence in my opinion. I'm not one who buys that garbage of "let nature take it's course," it's pretty doubtful any act of "nature" put him in that condition...

[Nancy in New York]

What city are you located in?

[Squirrely2]

Trying to locate a rehabber that can care for him or taking him in accessing his injuries and getting him on ab's and a steroid treatment would be to his benefit. Leaving him pitted against cats, dogs or hawks in his condition is a cruel death sentence in my opinion. I'm not one who buys that garbage of "let nature take it's course," it's pretty doubtful any act of "nature" put him in that condition...

I hope I am replying correctly here. Thank for your quick response and concern Stepnstone. I certainly do not like leaving him to fend for himself either. I just don't know how I would even go about catching him. He's still wild. He won't let me near him, and I believe a trap would take way to long, but I will look into a rehabber in the area and see if they have any ideas.

Thank You!

[Squirrely2]

What city are you located in?

Seattle Washington. I have talked with a rehabber. I have to catch him myself, and I am not really sure how to do that without hurting him or scarring him away for good. I will work on it, but I think I am running out of time.

[Spanky]

A Hav-A-Hart type trap works well... works even better with a string attached to the trigger mechanism if you have the time to wait for him to come around. The squirrel size traps are usually around $30.

[stepnstone]

Seattle Washington. I have talked with a rehabber. I have to catch him myself, and I am not really sure how to do that without hurting him or scarring him away for good. I will work on it, but
I think I am running out of time.
Is he going down fast or is this because of predators in the area?

If you can get a hav-a-heart trap, toss some nuts when he's around in a certain area
for him for a couple days then set the trap in that area baited with nuts.

[Squirrely2]

Is he going down fast or is this because of predators in the area?

If you can get a hav-a-heart trap, toss some nuts when he's around in a certain area
for him for a couple days then set the trap in that area baited with nuts.


Both, I believe he is completely grounded now. Using a Hav-a-Heart trap would be rather difficult. Too many other Squirrels and too much negotiation and learning curve for him. He usually only comes around every two days, and compared to other Squirrels, he doesn't eat much.

Thank You, I appreciate all the responses and concern. Give yourself a hand, You guys are Great. I never new there was such a active Squirrel community.

[Spanky]

Since you were wanting to help him, I don't understand why you would give up before you even try? :dono

How long has it been since you first noticed this injured squirrel?

Typically squirrels that injured or otherwise compromised will come at off times when there are not as many other squirrels around. Like very early in the morning, during the heat of the day or even very late in the evening. The other squirrels do not want an injured squirrel around them since the obviously weakened squirrel will attract predators, which is why the healthy squirrels are "picking" on him.

Since he seems and off, and if he is indeed "grounded" I would think he would not be traveling very far. Any chance you could follow him to figure out where he is retreating to? He may even consider a covered Hav-A-Hart a safe retreat? :dono

Edit: Fixed "attract" (posted "attack" at first. :embar).

[Nancy in New York]

Since you were wanting to help him, I don't understand why you would give up before you even try? :dono

How long has it been since you first noticed this injured squirrel?

Typically squirrels that injured or otherwise compromised will come at off times when there are not as many other squirrels around. Like very early in the morning, during the heat of the day or even very late in the evening. The other squirrels do not want an injured squirrel around them since the obviously weakened squirrel will attract predators, which is why the healthy squirrels are "picking" on him.

Since he seems and off, and if he is indeed "grounded" I would think he would not be traveling very far. Any chance you could follow him to figure out where he is retreating to? He may even consider a covered Hav-A-Hart a safe retreat? :dono

Edit: Fixed "attract" (posted "attack" at first. :embar).


:yeahthat:w00t

[Squirrely2]

:yeahthat:w00t

I certainly appreciate your concerns and passion. It is very refreshing. This little bugger showed up injured about 8 days ago, and I have seen him about 4 times now. The first few times I saw him, I didn’t know the severity of his injury. You do have to relies. I am not a vet or a rehabber, and I am not all set up, informed and ready to jump like you guys are. I’m just a guy that feeds the Squirrels in my back yard, and the first I ever heard of any of this was two days ago. I never knew there were very many people that gave two hoots and a haler about Squirrels, let alone a whole community.

Thank you, I do appreciate your passion and keep up the good work.

[lennysmom]

Well, many of us here got started out of our concern and compassion for a squirrel and had no idea what we were doing either. But we felt compelled to do all that we could since a squirrel in need had crossed our paths. To many we may be a bit over the top in the lengths we are willing to go through to help a squirrel, but it is a very rewarding experince to know that you have given an animal a second chance at life. To the world it may just be one squirrel, but to that one squirrel, it may mean the world.

[janiemcm]

If you can get your hands on a hav-a-hart squirrel trap, you could just always have it set. If a healthy squirrel goes into it, simply release it. eventually you'll get the one that you want. It might take a few days. I did this once and caught 8 squirrels and a few chippys before getting the one I was after (not sure if it was 12 different ones, or if some were actually coming back a 2nd time) Those traps DO work! I used peanuts and pecans (no shells) for bait.

[missPixy]

I once worked in a clinic where the vet used a large fishing net on a pole to capture animals who got out of their cages.

since yours isn't that mobile because of his hip/leg, maybe he'd be easier to catch this way?

[Squirrely2]

I have some good news. My little injured buddy showed up this morning after not seeing him for last 3 days, and he looked really good. He was awake and alert, and at first, I did not even recognize him. I thought it was just another Squirrel till I noticed his Gimpy left hind leg. He chowed down on some bread like a hungry Squirrel. Then he slipped around a big Evergreen Tree and disappeared. The only way he could have gone without me seeing him was up the tree. So I feel a lot better about this little Bugger now. I think he will make it.

Thank All.

[Nancy in New York]

I have some good news. My little injured buddy showed up this morning after not seeing him for last 3 days, and he looked really good. He was awake and alert, and at first, I did not even recognize him. I thought it was just another Squirrel till I noticed his Gimpy left hind leg. He chowed down on some bread like a hungry Squirrel. Then he slipped around a big Evergreen Tree and disappeared. The only way he could have gone without me seeing him was up the tree. So I feel a lot better about this little Bugger now. I think he will make it.

Thank All.

Thank you for this fantastic update! :w00t

[lennysmom]

Wonderful news! So glad the little guy is doing better!:dance

[SquirrelSense]

I agree with Stepenstone. I hear that nonsense everyday how there are TOO many Squirrels. When I ask one of theses idiots who want a 'chew toy' for their dog a ask do you know it's breeding season!? 1/3 max will make it to winter? Have you ever looked up the taxonomy difference from a groundhog or rat to raccoon bunny or squirrel when you call them city rats with tails?

The blind cat rescue is proof that survival of the fittest does not make the kindest, best. What dark ages still put disabled in institutions, have a lame horse 'put down' rather than allow it to rehab a foot so because it can't 'race' for human greed.

Suffering deserves healing plain and simple. Anything less is neglect... Illegal as defined 'depraved indifference!'


I hope I am replying correctly here. Thank for your quick response and concern Stepnstone. I certainly do not like leaving him to fend for himself either. I just don't know how I would even go about catching him. He's still wild. He won't let me near him, and I believe a trap would take way to long, but I will look into a rehabber in the area and see if they have any ideas.

Thank You!

[SquirrelSense]

So happy he seems better!! Such great news but please keep an eye open. My squirrel never respond to have a heard due to the shear numbers of them they can get food all around trash cans or plants. Something sbout the metal which they are not used to sounds like dog chains and feels to freaky after grass and dirt. A few peanuts is but with the risk to them. Even our creepy animal control use nets on the park. Depends on their familiar environment. Our squirrels are supper smart, picky and spoiled! If they like your food better than a bit you offer they will climb right in you:-)

[Spanky]

Great news, terrific update! :thumbsup

Please keep us updated on his progress over the coming weeks! :w00t

[Squirrely2]

Well, I got myself a have a heart trap set up out there. It’s been out there for two days, and I have caught and released 3 healthy squirrels. It would be more if I did not scare them off a little. The injured squirrel I am trying to catch has not been seen for 3 days now. Kind of bummed. It’s still going to be a long shot to catch him I think. I will leave it out and keep baiting it in hopes he shows up one of these days real hungry and goes in for a snack..