Wilding up a released singleton Milton

[nnmaru1]

Hi all, a newly relesed singleton girl Milton (about 18 weeks old?) in FL, doing great overall. Has access to her large enclosure with wooden nest box where she sleeps, supplying blocks, occasional walnut and veggies, refresh water daily. Comes and goes, comes back to her box overnight. Healthy and playful.
1. How do I ensure she integrates with other area squirrels? There are many, same bloodlines (she was found by our house after huricane Milton as a baby). I saw her play chase with same age squirrel just once, no violence. Will it take time for her to be accepted?
2. She still tries to run up on me when she sees me, which I gently discourage. She is happy when I just sit next to her eating. Is it ok to let her hang out 3 feet or so by me in th yard, if I don't touch her? She rewards me with zoomies and rolls and general silliness so she seems happy. Do i keed gently shoing her off? Yesss of course my heart is breaking but I want what's best for her. Low traffic area with tons of oaks and other food sources and great weather so I feel she has a good chance.
Any tips on helping her adjust are appreiated! Merry Xmas all

[Charley Chuckles]

Awwww how sweet 😍
I've released many that hang out with me sit on my lap and they have no issues. I know my Irma socialized because she had many babies over the years 😁 She came when called.
I also have a very wooded area. I've never tried to run her off me as I did the same for many of my releases. Each one is different some come and go others hang out. I don't feel there is an issue.
Heck even my wilds I have special ones when I call they come running 😂

[olorin19]

I always leave it up to each squirrel how little or how much ongoing contact they want after release. With those who stick around (the majority), all are happy to come over for food. And most will continue to jump up on me, perch on hand, arm or shoulder, then eat a nut or two before taking one for the road - not just for a few months, but for years.

I do not believe their comfort with me hinders their ability to interact with other squirrels or reduces their ability to thrive in the wild. And beyond the extra food, there are times when their comfort with me has been a huge advantage - I have had at least four males that have been sufficiently injured (abscessed bite wounds) where I have taken them back inside for antibiotics and time to recuperate before releasing them again.

One time in particular comes to mind: Dustin was badly injured when he was about 2 y.o. with a nasty abscess on the ankle joint that took three months to finally heal. He survived for two reasons: Wonderful advice from folks here at TSB, and the fact that he still trusted me enough to jump up on me and come back inside the house for treatment. Dustin was a fixture in my yard for another few years after his re-release.

It is a magical thing to have a squirrel you have raised and released that then continues to interact with you. Enjoy!

[olorin19]

I like the story for Milton's name!

I had an Irene back in 2011 who was found the morning after Hurricane Irene passed through these parts. She was about 6 weeks old and the entire nest came down and landed in a driveway with her still inside.