is it possible

[joanieg]

is it possible to "untame" a very healthy hand reared adult squirrel and get it to be releasable since that is always our goal?

[Spanky]

is it possible to "untame" a very healthy hand reared adult squirrel and get it to be releasable since that is always our goal?

That really depends on the details.

1) How old is the squirrel?

2) Has is been around dogs or cats (or other predator type animals) and lost it's natural fear of them?

3) Is this squirrel acclimated to all humans, or only it's caregiver?

There may be more questions needed to assess but this is a good start...

[joanieg]

he is around 4...wary but not afraid of other animals that i can see...but he loves people...

[SammysMom]

I would not think that was a great idea at 4 years old. Why do you want to release him after 4 years? Is he showing signs of not wanting to be captive or other difficult behaviors?

[island rehabber]

If this squirrel truly 'loves people' and is four years old, letting him loose in the wild would be a death sentence for him. He's bound to run up to people, children too, and will be taken for some crazed rabid animal and kicked or beaten. He doesn't know how to interact with other squirrels, so he would have to be put into an environment where he can meet some without being attacked.

[joanieg]

I would not think that was a great idea at 4 years old. Why do you want to release him after 4 years? Is he showing signs of not wanting to be captive or other difficult behaviors?

he isnt mine...he belongs to a neighbour in my apartment building. he is terminally ill and trying to get his beloved placed before its too late [if you know what i mean]. i didnt know if the squirrel could be rehabilitated or if he should maybe contact a children's zoo

[Spanky]

he isnt mine...he belongs to a neighbour in my apartment building. he is terminally ill and trying to get his beloved placed before its too late [if you know what i mean]. i didnt know if the squirrel could be rehabilitated or if he should maybe contact a children's zoo

What is his terminally ill diagnosis?!?!?!

[pappy1264]

Definitely agree at four and with that description, would not release or try to release. I took in a 4 yo girl a couple years ago, very similar to your situation (they had her for four years, but then management changed, and they had one week to get rid of her as they had a 'no rodents as pets' policy. Perhaps we can help find someone who is near who could give this baby a new, forever home?
'

[SammysMom]

Let's see if we can reach out to CA members. He is friendly with you and other people?

[joanieg]

Definitely agree at four and with that description, would not release or try to release. I took in a 4 yo girl a couple years ago, very similar to your situation (they had her for four years, but then management changed, and they had one week to get rid of her as they had a 'no rodents as pets' policy. Perhaps we can help find someone who is near who could give this baby a new, forever home?
'

one of our local rehabbers is going to try to find him a wildlife eduation placement as he is so people friendly.

[astra]

one of our local rehabbers is going to try to find him a wildlife eduation placement as he is so people friendly.

you have to be very careful.

Generally, rehabbers must euthanize any squirrel that cannot be released.
A squirrel that lived for FOUR years with people, that isn't really afraid of domestic animals and is too used to humans - is considered non-releasable and is euthanized.

Squirrels generally aren't kept in sanctuaries or zoos because they aren't a rare interesting animal. One doesn't need to go to a zoo to look at a squirrel - there are plenty on streets and one's own backyard.

Don't know where you are, but if you are in Toronto and if you deal with TOronto wildlife center - they don't care about squirrels and euthanize them without a second thought.

So, if you give your sq to a rehabber, you will not get it back and most likely this little guy will be simply euthanized.

[kcassidy]

What is his terminally ill diagnosis?!?!?!

I think she is referring to the owner, not the squirrel