California License / Raising a Singleton / Cats

[CaliSquirrel]

We are located in California over an hour away from the nearest wildlife rescue (which has negative reviews anyways). Based on this, my friend and I have been rehabbing squirrels for release successfully for a couple of years.

1. Is there any way for us to get licensed to do this without driving so far away to volunteer at an existing rescue?

2. This is our first time with a singleton, does anybody have advice on finding another squirrel to pair with him or to improve his chances of a successful release without a friend?

3. He doesn’t seem afraid of cats, any way to create this fear?


Thank you!

[Charley Chuckles]

Bumping your thread...

[island rehabber]

Hi. I am not certain what your California wildlife rehab laws specify. If you don't have a requirement of volunteer hours or apprenticeship then you don't have to necessarily work with that Center.

I have successfully released many singletons and for the most part they do beautifully so long as you begin distancing yourself from them for at least 3 weeks prior to release. Don't hand feed, don't let them cuddle with you, some rehabbers even feed at night after they're asleep so that they don't associate food coming from a human anymore. I know it's hard but it will work. As for cats, I have two and never let them interact with my rehab squirrels. Again, distancing from you and your pets is key.