Baby Squirrel Release

[Msdaisiez]

I have a baby squirrel who is about 9 weeks old. We found him at a golf course and there was a hawk nearby when we found him. the baby squirrel had scratches on his belly and we could find his mother. We ended up taking him home. He’s doing much better now and we’re letting him outside in our yard. He’s too young to be released, yet, but when we do, we’re wondering if should let him go in our yard or take him back to the golf course. There are squirrels that live in our yard but Henry had a run-in with one of them the other day and got either bit or scratched. It was a tiny scratch just under his tail, not really worried about it. Henry is smaller than the adult squirrels, so he just ran back into the house. But we worry that when he’s older and bigger, he still won’t be friends with our backyard squirrels.

If we take him back to the golf course, is there a chance that his family will recognize him and take him back? I’ve read that squirrels always remember their family no matter how long they’ve been gone. Is that true? I just worry that he’ll be lonely when we let him go in our backyard. Obviously we’d love it if he stayed close by and came back for visits, but we also want to do what’s best for him.

So the question is, does it matter where we release him since he’s a singleton? If we let him go at the golf course where we found him, is there a better chance that he’d find squirrels that he’ll get along with OR will he find new squirrel friends in our backyard and it doesn’t matter where we let him go?

Thanks in advance for everyone’s input!

[Buddy’smom]

You shouldn’t release him until he’s 12wks and it’s not a good idea to let him mingle just yet. I just released my squirrel in our backyard. He hung around for 2 weeks then one morning I fed him and he was gone I see him around but he doesn’t come to me anymore. But he’s doing fine. Sometimes he gets chased but he’s ok. They say squirrels are territorial with other squirrels so maybe it’s best to bring him back to the golf course. Buddy was my first rescue and I was heartbroken when he left but I did my job. Good luck.

[Mel1959]

Release at 14-16 weeks is better if you can swing it.

[olorin19]

He’s doing much better now and we’re letting him outside in our yard. He’s too young to be released, yet, but when we do, we’re wondering if should let him go in our yard or take him back to the golf course.

I agree with Mel1959 on waiting until at least 14-16 weeks to release.

I used to let youngsters out to play a bit, but do not take chances any more. Sometimes they go off exploring and do not turn up again for a few days. I do not think the small benefit they get from being outside if worth the risk of them ending up on their own before they are ready.

I once took an 8 week old to the vet, a 40 minute drive from home. I put him on the ground so he could pee before we went inside, and he scooted up a tree. It took me over an hour to finally get him back. So, no more chances for me with outdoor adventures for those too young to release.

If you have squirrels in your yard, then it is most likely a good place to release. And then your squirrel has the advantage of familiar ground, extra food, etc.

And please make sure to build a proper release cage and do a soft release. Lots of good information here on what that means.

[Buddy’smom]

I’m sorry maybe I should have been clearer my baby didn’t actually leave until 14 weeks but I was following what the wild life rehab instructed. I put food and a house out for him but he’s only came back in our tree twice that I know of. I miss him and hope he’s ok.

[olorin19]

I’m sorry maybe I should have been clearer my baby didn’t actually leave until 14 weeks but I was following what the wild life rehab instructed. I put food and a house out for him but he’s only came back in our tree twice that I know of. I miss him and hope he’s ok.

Some releases will return, while others do not. You just never know. But yes, it is impossible not to worry about our little guys.

[Atclc]

Does anyone have any idea how old she is? I’m thinking 9 weeks.

[olorin19]

Does anyone have any idea how old she is? I’m thinking 9 weeks.

Do you have pictures taken on a specific date?

[Atclc]

This was Wednesday November 6th

[island rehabber]

What a gorgeous baby! 😍

[olorin19]

This was Wednesday November 6th

I would guess maybe 7 weeks, but gladly defer to the experts.