New here, need help with wild squirrel

[JulieK]

Hello. Last night around 7pm I went outside to shut the garage door and there was a squirrel in the garage. Much to my surprise, it didn't run when it saw me. He was very friendly albeit a little confused I think. He was very friendly and our first thought was rabies but after looking up symptoms, we don't think that's the case. I took him peanuts and water and sat next to him while he ate. Without any hesitation, he crawled up my leg and onto my shoulder. At that point, I was scared he might bite but he didn't. I eventually had to shake him off because my husband and son were freaking out. We put a small cat house outside for him that he got in almost immediately. This morning he was gone but there was poop in the little house and his food hadn't been tampered with so I think he's okay. I should also note that the top 3 inches or so of his tail seem to be missing fur, not furless but missing fur. I have some questions.

Why is he being so friendly?
Is it a bad idea to continue feeding him?
Do you think he is sick?
We already love him and want to keep him safe. What's the best way to do that?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[CritterMom]

Yes, please help him! It would be great to get a pic. He may be a young one who has lost his mom and isn't ready for the wild yet - when they find themselves in that predicament they often will turn to humans for help. Another option may be that he is a human-raised squirrel that was released and ran into a problem and has gone to humans for help. Normally they won't just hop onto anyone - they stick to "their" humans, but if they are not around and he is desperate, this is also an option.

[Nancy in New York]

Hello. Last night around 7pm I went outside to shut the garage door and there was a squirrel in the garage. Much to my surprise, it didn't run when it saw me. He was very friendly albeit a little confused I think. He was very friendly and our first thought was rabies but after looking up symptoms, we don't think that's the case. I took him peanuts and water and sat next to him while he ate. Without any hesitation, he crawled up my leg and onto my shoulder. At that point, I was scared he might bite but he didn't. I eventually had to shake him off because my husband and son were freaking out. We put a small cat house outside for him that he got in almost immediately. This morning he was gone but there was poop in the little house and his food hadn't been tampered with so I think he's okay. I should also note that the top 3 inches or so of his tail seem to be missing fur, not furless but missing fur. I have some questions.

Why is he being so friendly?
Is it a bad idea to continue feeding him?
Do you think he is sick?
We already love him and want to keep him safe. What's the best way to do that?

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

My immediate thought is that perhaps somebody raised him and released him.
Does he appear young to you?
Is there anyway you can get a picture.
This is very odd behavior for a wild squirrel to do this to
a stranger.
I would suggest keeping the garage door open just a little to
see if he wants shelter in there. Would that be possible?
Where did you put the cat house. He would be very susceptible to
racoons in a cat house. They need a squirrel house with predator guards.
I know you didn't ask for all this, just trying to give you the best information.
Not sure about the missing fur from his tail, unless he got it stuck on something. :thinking
Thank you for watching out for this little one.

[JulieK]

298866

[CritterMom]

That isn't a baby. I bet he was hand raised by someone in your area and released. Aw! He doesn't look ill at all.

[JulieK]

Thanks for all the help! How would you suggest testing his friendliness without putting myself in danger? I want to cuddle him so badly!

[Nancy in New York]

Oh he's precious. I would love to know his story.
I think he's already shown you his friendliness.
Not sure you want to push this, I would let him come to you,
as you quietly talk to him.
What's he eating?

[CritterMom]

LOL - you likely won't be able to cuddle him like a puppy - and likely don't want to, as there are many pointy parts on a squirrel! Their wild nature automatically rebels from things that feel like confinement like cuddling - it feels a lot like being CAUGHT. But I bet if you sit in his area, talk to him, give him a treat or two, he will hang with you.

Do be careful - I usually don't hand nuts to squirrels, rather I set them down where I want them to come to, even in my lap. They have a bit of a blind spot where their mouth is and sometimes have trouble determining where the peanut ends and the finger begins. It should also be noted that if you are a sandal wearer, bare toes may just as well BE peanuts because they look just like them...:grin2

[walls]

Where are you located? I'm sure someone that has raised this sweet guy is heartbroken and worried about him/her. That person may be in your neighborhood. This has happened to me!

[AJmom]

Where are you located? I'm sure someone that has raised this sweet guy is heartbroken and worried about him/her. That person may be in your neighborhood. This has happened to me!

I hand raised baby squirrels and released them in my neighborhood in NY many years ago. When a friend would come in my back yard AJ (my first one) would go to him and run up and down his body. My guess is he felt safe doing so to somebody else in our yard. AJ would come every day, then brought his mate and offspring for food the following year! After a couple of years he came less frequently. This may be your situation.

[Rocky1]

Here are some of my thoughts about how to assist this squirrel. Feel free to agree, disagree, or discuss. (I'm not a rehabber.)

1. I don't know what your neighborhood is like or whether it has lots of trees and shelter for squirrels or if the people are friendly or not toward squirrels... Possibly consider providing a nesting box with a predator guard in tree if you don't mind investing in this adorable visitor.

2. If your neighborhood happens to be a horrible place for squirrels and wildlife, which I hope it's not, consider maybe eventually handing him over to a wildlife rehabber for soft release, if that's a good option? Others on here would have a better idea of whether or not that's feasible or a decent option?

3. If you feed him, consider providing water too. In my experience, squirrels are often times thirsty. A heavy bowl that they can stand on without it tipping is ideal.

I'm trying to think of what else might help...


Here's one of many websites with examples of amazing nesting boxes...
http://nutsaboutsquirrels.net/#!/Nesting-Boxes/c/9506014/offset=0&sort=normal