I just found this thread... I know a lot of you think we're "lucky" in FL because keeping squirrels is "legal".
But, as it's pointed out by Anne and H4S the law is MURKY. We don't know what we are/ are not "allowed" to do.
And this was very well documented last year by the horror that went down in Tampa at a well-respected, extremely experienced LICENSED REHABBERS property.
I NEVER post about squirrels on FB. I don't FB much anyway, but nono on the squirrels (and what else am I going to talk about? lol) I have, on occasion, stopped and given my number to tree cutters, because they seem intent on cutting in the Spring, right smack in baby season. I've even gotten a couple calls.
At least in other states you know you're either legal or you're not. Period. Here, who the hell knows? I can't figure it out and I've combed through all the docs I can find about the legality of keeping greys in FL. Or rehabbing them. Or whatever.
What really bothers me is this quote:
He explained the confusion comes in because Grays are considered to be gaming animals and that means there is a hunting season for them if that is possible.
So, we're allowed to hunt them, kill them, but possibly not rehabilitate them? That is BLEEPING crazy-- stupid-- inhumane, you name it. It's WRONG. I understand some people don't know what they're doing. But in this age of the internet, there's no excuse for doing it "wrong". I've tried Googling "Squirrel Care" and TSB is always within the top 5 "hits". If the babies are healthy, you can at least keep them alive by following VERY BASIC protocol until you find a rehabber.
I know lots of people don't know what do and take them to After-Hours vets, who agree to take them, and the donation, but then euthanize the squirrel if no one comes to pick it/ them up.
The people at our local After Hours vet don't CARE who comes to get them, they just want them off their hands. I felt awful calling and asking them to take my name off their list for a while, because the burden goes to PeeWee's Mom/ Coralreefer. I WISH the vets would refuse the squirrels, therefore forcing the person to find a rehabber. Or keep a list of rehabbers, and bypass keeping the squirrels themselves. All they do anyway is stick them in a box and then in a cage. No heat, no hydration, no care at all.
Anyway, I'm off topic, but the truth is no one here really cares about squirrels unless someone reports the keeper as a problem. And why would they, if they're considered a sport hunting species? Geez.
I'm with coralreefer. Sometimes I hate people.