Re: Should I tag my squirrel before release?
Originally Posted by
alec
Dear squirrel lovers, to
I am planning to release my 4th squirrel of the year and i am wondering if there is a possibility of keeping track of him while he is rehabbing in the wild. The previous three were doing great until I lost track of them completely during last fall. This had me worried that perhaps they didn't make it for some reason or another. Does anyone know of a safe method to do this? One that would insure the animal's safety and one that wouldn't make the animal an easy target for a predator.
Your help is appreciated!
Alex
Personally I would be against any thought of tagging a squirrel and wouldn't be convinced it could ever be safe.
A tagging could result in it being ripped off or caught on something the same with a banding if it were loose.
A snug banding would become restrictive as a squirrel puts on seasonal weight and a squirrel would likely even
try to chew it off injuring itself in the process. Considering a squirrel's aerobatic movements, embedding a chip
or tracker very likely would not stay in place and could jeopardize the safety of it's health. Any coloration that
stands out would put it at risk and minimize it's natural ability to blend in to it's natural environment.
When we return an animal to nature we simply return them to what is already theirs.
We give them their freedom by relinquishing control...
Step-N-Stone
State Licensed
Wildlife Master Rehabilitator