To Overwinter or not?

[educk]

Hello squirrel experts. I have a 10 week old fox squirrel that i have caring for the last 5 weeks. Still not weaned, completely. Wouldn't touch regular rodent block nor the henrys. She takes plenty of formula will experiment with veggies, kale, broccoli, peppers, sweet potato, carrot. Treats include walnut s or pecans with a few striped sunflower seeds. I have built an outdoor enclosure for soft release. But my dilemma is two fold, First the weather. You all will probably laugh, but Im in Northern ca and while we don't get snow, we are hoping for rain. The second part of my dilemma is that I now have a bunch of younger squirrels now invading the back yard. She is comfortable in her indoor enclosure, and I can take her out in daytime to the outdoor enclosure but bring her back in a night. would you recommend trying to actually release or keep her over winter. She is sweet with me, but tends to be skittish and very shy around others.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[cava]

Awww, overwinter her. She's by herself too, so it would be nice of you to let her grow up a bit before she has to fight with the yard squirrels for food.

Welcome!