Wild Squirrel Friend Stumpy now has broken front paw...she can't use it

[Stumpy'sFriend]

My wild squirrel friend has a broken front left foot. I have been treating my wild, tail-less squirrel friend Stumpy for mange. Was successfully giving her ivermectin for last two weeks. Came home from being out of town for 2 days and did not see her yesterday when we got home. Today I saw her moving slowing down a tree. I called her but she did not move. Normally she would come immediately when I call. I approached and looked more closely. I could see she was having trouble climbing up or down the tree. When she hit the ground I saw why. Her left front foot is injured. No cut or bleeding visible. But the foot seems to be simply lifeless and dangling. She can not bear weight on it. She CAN use the foot/paw to assist her in lifting food to hear mouth and holding it to eat it. She moves around on 3 legs. I am terrified. What can I do? She is wild, not tame. She competes with many other new, young squirrels for food. I chased a cat away this morning. Should I trap her if I see her again? I am heart broken. I have had her visiting in my yard for 3 years. No sign of her this evening but we have had some big thunderstorms. Just sick about this turn of events....what to do???

[DarkLies212]

I don't have any advice, better leave that to the experts, but she's in my thoughts
I hope it's something that can easily be fixed!

[Stumpy'sFriend]

I don't have any advice, better leave that to the experts, but she's in my thoughts
I hope it's something that can easily be fixed!

Thank you. I am heart broken. And so worried... I adore her.

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

Sometimes the stress of being brought in is very hard on a wild, but other times it is just what they want. You say she comes to you, maybe if she comes to you you can get her inside. Do you have a cage that isnt too high so she wont fall and hurt herself.
With all her issues I would try to get her.

[TubeDriver]

Squirrels can get by with 3 legs for a while. I have had wilds with exactly the same injury you describe (hurt paw or leg) that would not bear weight. In 2-3 weeks, they recovered. It is a good sign if he is using the paw to help with eating. I cant say for sure what you should do, but I would probably just keep a close eye on him for a week or two and give him extra treats/food/water. My guess is that he will heal up in a couple weeks (maybe faster). If he is not putting any weight on it in 2 weeks then I would become more concerned.

[farrelli]

Yes, they often recover well, but her other issues are a concern on top of it. Keep a very close eye, they will often get chased from territories, especailly if weak. If you do want to catch her, you will have to have everying ready, caging food, etc. Wilds often do fairly well after a period of adjustment inside while undergoing their convalescence.