Releasing Eastern Squirrels

[Payton0708@msn.com]

Hi there, I am a rehabber but this is my first time releasing eastern squirrels. They are at the appropriate age, etc. My question is in regards to location. I live in the suburbs, each home has less than an acre. They do have a fairly large pen and we do have deer, squirrels, etc running through the yard.

Is it better for them to be released here so I can keep an eye on them or should I release them at a no hunting park?

[Nancy in New York]

Hi there, I am a rehabber but this is my first time releasing eastern squirrels. They are at the appropriate age, etc. My question is in regards to location. I live in the suburbs, each home has less than an acre. They do have a fairly large pen and we do have deer, squirrels, etc running through the yard.

Is it better for them to be released here so I can keep an eye on them or should I release them at a no hunting park?

How old are your little ones?
If you are doing a fall release, I personally like
the idea of releasing at home, if it's a safe area, with
few dogs or cats. This way you can supplement food all
winter long. They would have very little time now to build
a stash or the proper nest, and at home you could hang a few
nest boxes to make it easier for them.
Of course it all depends on the age you're talking about.
If they're too young, you should overwinter.

[island rehabber]

I agree with Nancy; assuming they are 14wks or older they should be soft-released near or at your home. Unless you are prepared to build them an interim (pre-release) pen at a remote location, where they can stay for a couple of weeks to get acclimated to the outdoors, they should not be brought to a park -- even a no-hunting one.