Re: Did I rescue or kidnap?
Originally Posted by
Rocky1
While I'm not a rehabber, I suspect that when a squirrel is that friendly with people, it's not good. Some people will panic and injure a squirrel that tries to climb or jump on them even if the squirrel is just showing affection. I don't mean to be disturbing. My point is, you did the right thing. You saved this little guy before he found the wrong person.
(The caveat is if people over there don't mind squirrels being that friendly. In most heavily human populated places it would be a problem, imo. Are most squirrels over there that friendly with people? From what I read, it sounds like there are practically no squirrels or trees where you work and found the baby. I'm making sure I didn't misunderstand.)
Squirrel babies are the only wildlife baby that will run up to a person seeking help. By the time they do this they are trying desperately to save their little life. It has nothing to do with 'friendliness'. Although, Rocky, you are correct and people do freak out over this behavior. They are sure that it is a rabid animal and there are many who lose their life with choosing the wrong person to save their life.
You did not kidnap! There is no way mom would have let a little one, that still needs to be nursed, out of the nest! Your instincts were right on!
redwuff
State Licensed
Master Wildlife Rehabilitator