Any rehabbers/sanctuary providers near San Diego, CA for baby wild disabled squirrel?

[Scooter]

Hello, my husband and I have been enjoying ground squirrels visiting our yard for several years, and it is now baby season. We’ve noticed a very young, small squirrel with a hind limb deformity: rather than her hind legs being normally places, both her hind legs are to her left side, and she kicks them a bit when she moves them but they don’t support her, so she instead pulls herself around with her front legs. It’s a very noticeable deformity and slows her down a bit in comparison with other squirrels, though otherwise she seems healthy and shows no signs of pain or discomfort — she moves like this is the most natural thing for her, which is why I think it is a birth defect, or perhaps a fracture that healed when she was just still weaning. We worry that if we bring her to the local Project Wildlife she will be euthanized as unreleasable, but she seems like she could live a happy life as a “sanctuary squirrel” in a protected environment. (I say “she” but we have no idea what the sex of the squirrel is.) So we’re wondering if we should just leave her be and let nature take its course, or if there is anyone with the ability, facilities and desire near us (we’re in San Diego, California), who would take it this sweet little squirrel and give her a good life? We’ve dubbed her “Scooter,” for obvious reasons…

[island rehabber]

Sorry you haven't had any replies, probably because there aren't many West coasters on this Board. Here's what I found with a quick search:
Project Wildlife
Project Wildlife

PROJECT WILDLIFE
· Wildlife rescue service
San Diego, CA · (619) 299-7012





Other listings are for various Humane Society offices in the county, but they seem to be only concerned with "Native predatory wildlife" :(

That little one won't survive and definitely needs a safe space ASAP. See if Project Wildlife can help.

[Scooter]

Thanks so much, I’ve used Project Wildlife for injured wild animals since I was a kid in elementary school, they are a great organization. Just a month ago I brought in a hummingbird. The problem is, because ground squirrels are so common, they are more likely to euthanize it than to provide sanctuary. And if we relinquish the squirrel to them we sign paperwork saying the squirrel’s care is out of our hands and completely under control of Project Wildlife, meaning we can’t get the squirrel back if they decide they cannot rehab it for the wild, and it is certainly going to be euthanized. They are connected to our local Animal Control/Animal Shelter, and their resources for rehabbing are more geared to caring for animals that can be released back into the wild, or longer term rehab/sanctuary for species that are more rare/breed less prolifically than rodents (e.g. bobcats, opossums, raccoons). I’ve been trying to find squirrel rehabs geared toward sanctuary, but locally it seems squirrels are not a popular option. There are rehabbers for baby squirrels geared toward release back into the wild, but not long term options…

We personally have cared for pet rats and have several Double Critter Nation cages and all the gear for rat care, but I know that is nothing like caring/sanctuary for a very young wild squirrel. If we thought we could provide sanctuary care (and get the proper credentials to do so legally), we would consider taking her in, doing all the vet checks and everything required. We just have no idea where to start with such an undertaking…

Thank you so much for responding, it is greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much for replying, though!

[CritterMom]

Thanks so much, I’ve used Project Wildlife for injured wild animals since I was a kid in elementary school, they are a great organization. Just a month ago I brought in a hummingbird. The problem is, because ground squirrels are so common, they are more likely to euthanize it than to provide sanctuary. And if we relinquish the squirrel to them we sign paperwork saying the squirrel’s care is out of our hands and completely under control of Project Wildlife, meaning we can’t get the squirrel back if they decide they cannot rehab it for the wild, and it is certainly going to be euthanized. They are connected to our local Animal Control/Animal Shelter, and their resources for rehabbing are more geared to caring for animals that can be released back into the wild, or longer term rehab/sanctuary for species that are more rare/breed less prolifically than rodents (e.g. bobcats, opossums, raccoons). I’ve been trying to find squirrel rehabs geared toward sanctuary, but locally it seems squirrels are not a popular option. There are rehabbers for baby squirrels geared toward release back into the wild, but not long term options…

We personally have cared for pet rats and have several Double Critter Nation cages and all the gear for rat care, but I know that is nothing like caring/sanctuary for a very young wild squirrel. If we thought we could provide sanctuary care (and get the proper credentials to do so legally), we would consider taking her in, doing all the vet checks and everything required. We just have no idea where to start with such an undertaking…

Thank you so much for responding, it is greatly appreciated!
Thank you so much for replying, though!

Well, I don't think that there is any sort of "sanctuary" credentials. You would need to become a licensed rehabber to be considered "legal" and then, many states prevent keeping animals that are non-releasable...so it is very likely that your attempt to do this will ultimately result in the little guy being euthanized, which is what you are trying to avoid. You may need to become "extra" legal like so many here.

He likely will never be cuddly - they kind of need to be raised by you to have that super close relationship, but wild ones become very tame to people who just feed them, so if you can handle that, you should go for it. Look at it this way: If you do nothin, he will die; a little handicapped guy like that doesn't stand a chance. If he goes to a rehab place the result will be the same, albeit less cruel one hopes. If he stays with you, he has a chance.

There is a mobile vet in LA that we have heard good things about. While he is too far to help you, he may be able to steer you to a vet in your area willing to see these little guys.

[Diggie's Friend]

California rehabbers association does not support any non releasable squirrels be cared for in captivity, all that are brought to them will be euthanized if they are with a lic. State group.

[Bienkie]

Hello, my husband and I have been enjoying ground squirrels visiting our yard for several years, and it is now baby season. We’ve noticed a very young, small squirrel with a hind limb deformity: rather than her hind legs being normally places, both her hind legs are to her left side, and she kicks them a bit when she moves them but they don’t support her, so she instead pulls herself around with her front legs. It’s a very noticeable deformity and slows her down a bit in comparison with other squirrels, though otherwise she seems healthy and shows no signs of pain or discomfort — she moves like this is the most natural thing for her, which is why I think it is a birth defect, or perhaps a fracture that healed when she was just still weaning. We worry that if we bring her to the local Project Wildlife she will be euthanized as unreleasable, but she seems like she could live a happy life as a “sanctuary squirrel” in a protected environment. (I say “she” but we have no idea what the sex of the squirrel is.) So we’re wondering if we should just leave her be and let nature take its course, or if there is anyone with the ability, facilities and desire near us (we’re in San Diego, California), who would take it this sweet little squirrel and give her a good life? We’ve dubbed her “Scooter,” for obvious reasons…
Hello, I just joined the forum today and saw the message. I would absolutely take Scooter. I have rehabbed squirrels before and love them so much 💕