Squirrelly Gal: Flyer Conundrum
Admittedly, I am one of those folks who like to leave harmless wildlife alone, to the extent of willingly sharing my abode (until critters start chewing wires) in winter. With a new small group of bats just relocated from the attic to a state park (too much of a chance of disease), and purple martin houses in place (along with a new chimney screen), I thought all was copacetic, and turned my attention to the kids, cats, dogs, wolf, and sulfate tortoise, and grandkids. It was a break between rounds.
Some of my sons began complaining of noises in the walls and between the floors at night. Knawing, scurrying sounds from what appeared to be "small" creatures. I ignored them. About a week later, one of these little critters apparently explored wire-knawing. Hopefully it was a quick end. I knew that action would be required. Out came the Havahart live trap to slip between the floor joists. Loaded with torn paper towels, a peanut butter whole wheat mini taco and a side of fruit/cheese, we only had to wait a few hours before hearing the telltale sound of metal door flaps closing.
Early last spring, I had found a baby flyer huddled in a corner under an overhang of the house, clinging to the brick. He was SOOOOOO cute, and only about 8 weeks old. After a photo op we left him alone. Now, 7 months later, a young but fully grown flyer with a familiar mark on his head stared at me from behind the wire mesh of the small but effective trap. A few oohs and aahs later, we unpacked a large, tall birdcage from the shed and appropriately outfitted it for a new tenant. A couple of branches, a coir hide, moss flooring, a crocheted pouch on the sidewall, filled water bowl and a variety of favorite flyer foods awaited Rocky (of course) as he walked from the trap's door into the cage. The trap went back up into the rafters to await any remaining critters. No one has heard any telltale sounds at night since Rocky was taken into custody.
There is a classic holiday song that starts "well, the weather outside is frightful, but in here, it's so delightful…" Enough said. Below freezing temperatures and 33 degree sleet/rain in December is not the kind of weather I would choose to move to an unknown area where I would need to find shelter and food sources. I could not imagine subjecting a tiny 4 ounce flyer to that for his first winter. After three days, Rocky remains warm, calm, cozy and eating well. The 2' x 2' x 4' cage, in a bedroom corner, seems quite comfortable for now. He has tried out three sleeping areas, spent one morning asleep on a branch, and another few hours asleep while holding onto the side of the cage (much as he had been sleeping while holding onto the brick face months before). I do not know about him, but I feel more at peace when I see his tail poking out of the pouch or the coir hide.
Background aside, I have a decision to make. Should I keep the little guy and socialize him or just overwinter him? After all, he seems to be a lone flyer since the demise of his wire-chewing chum. I am waiting to see if any of his group remain in the house. In my heart of hearts, I am a sucker with a marshmallow center (even though my kids swear MOM is merely an acronym for Mean Ole Monster). I know one cannot just let the little guy outside as he will find another way in, risking his safety. I am committed to overwintering him at this point. If I catch other members of his group I will keep them together until I can be sure they will excitedly adapt to their new home at Hemlock Bluffs State Park in the spring. If he remains a singleton, what do forum members think? I can certainly justify and rationalize keeping him and making him part of the family. The grandkids want Mimi to keep him. I have rescued every animal I have ever had (over 50 years), including domestic and exotics, but have always rehabbed and released every wild creature (squirrels, raccoon, pigeons, doves, several wild bird varieties, possum, and rabbits) because it was the right thing to do. I am getting soft! Help!!!!
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Re: Squirrelly Gal: Flyer Conundrum
You are in extreme danger! Having a flying squirrel living in your house is like booking passage on the Titanic-your life as you know it is over, you are doomed. These little guys find a way into your heart and then worm their way into your very soul. There will be no going back!
Originally Posted by Skul
