Home › Forums › Open Discussion › Baby Squirrel
- This topic is empty.
-
AuthorPosts
-
September 28, 2009 at 9:04 pm #592494
GoGoParticipantMy dog Vivian and I found a baby (well, maybe a teenager) squirrel in our yard this afternoon. He/she did not run away from us and seemed lost and scared, but not injured. Any advice? Should I just leave him/her alone? When I left to come back to work he/she was still sitting in the same place.
September 28, 2009 at 9:05 pm #678319
KBearParticipantMy dog can take care of that, if yours isn’t up to the task. ;-)
September 28, 2009 at 9:10 pm #678320
GoGoParticipantThat’s not QUITE the answer I was looking for!
September 28, 2009 at 9:11 pm #678321
WSBKeymasterFrom a PAWS web page:
Although many wild species have their babies in the spring, mid-to-late summer is another prime breeding time for native Douglas and Northern Flying Squirrels as well as the commonly seen Eastern Gray Squirrels. This means that it is important to be cautious when pruning trees, sealing up entry holes into basements and attics, and keeping pets safely confined, as baby squirrels may be present. For questions about a baby squirrel or other wild animal you think may need help, call PAWS Wildlife Center at 425.787.2500 x817.
September 28, 2009 at 9:21 pm #678322
inactiveMemberIf it were me, I would leave it be. I would also make sure my dog had zero opportunity to antagonize the little guy. If the squirrel is STILL there tomorrow AM, call a wildlife rehab place, either Sarvey or PAWS (yes, they euthanize if an animal cannot be re-released into the wild) for advice. Just give it space and don’t give it food. You could put water in the area but don’t get close to him. If he starts to falter or lays down, of course, call the agency of your choice then.
Good luck!!! Let us know how it turns out.
September 28, 2009 at 9:23 pm #678323
inactiveMemberOTH, you could call now! ;) lol
September 28, 2009 at 9:41 pm #678324
GoGoParticipantPAWS says to keep an eye on him for a couple days (if he hangs around) and try to scare him away (in a nice way). If he starts to look sick or in distress, I’m to call them back.
Thanks, everyone! Except KBear. :)
September 29, 2009 at 1:07 am #678325
WSBKeymasterI’ve never seen a baby squirrel. Do they look like mini-squirrels or not have their bushy tail yet or … We have been far more blessed with birds lately than the ground-dwelling critters.
September 29, 2009 at 3:16 am #678326
inactiveMemberActually, TR, the bushiness of the tail IS a fair indicator of maturity, since you’ve noted it. The tail is hairless at birth, along with a faint fuzz on the rest of the body. They are small enough to close a fist around. :) Their baby coat and tail bush will come in quickly, but the tail bush stays fairly small in diameter, while the body mass increases. A juvenile, nearing adult size will, as you’ve imagined, look slightly out of proportion because they have yet to attain the full tail width.
Some day in your spare time ! during breeding season, maybe you could arrange a home-schooling kind of thing with one of the wildlife centers for you and Torrin. I say that without being 100% certain how that would work, but I think education is part of their mission. It should be anyway. :)
September 29, 2009 at 2:56 pm #678327
GoGoParticipantWhen I got home yesterday, it seems the squirrel had packed his little squirrel bags and left.
Glad he’s gone for the dogs sake, but I’ll kinda miss the cute little guy.
September 29, 2009 at 3:03 pm #678328
inactiveMemberJust takin’ a little “staycation” from all the hard work storing nuts for the coming winter ;).
-
AuthorPosts
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.