I am pleased to share with you photos of two baby squirrels my son Adam and I raised and successfully released this past weekend. Adam, in addition to working at our veterinary hospital during the summer breaks, is training to be a certified wildlife rehabilitator.
We received these 2 babies squirrels in early October. A boy and a girl, aged three and four weeks respectively. The baby boy's eyes were still closed. Initially they needed the supplemental warmth of a heating pad to get them comfortably through the cool nights without their natural momma. During the month that they were in our care, they progressed from being exclusively bottle fed a specialized formula, to eating fruits, vegetables and assorted nuts they would naturally encounter in the wild.
Prior to being released they were taken outside daily, while safely in their enclosure, to get acclimated to the sights and sounds of the wide wild world. When they were finally released to the wild they were sent out in style, complete with their own custom built home! Much thanks to my husband, your favorite Virginia Beach veterinarian Dr. Wayne Johnson, for all the time it took to make this special home for our little critters. Research shows that squirrels released with a squirrel box home, as opposed to building their own nest, called a drey, have a higher probability of success and a longer life span.
If you should encounter baby wildlife, please do not offer it food or water. The wrong food can cause serious digestive problems and a hungry baby is more apt to cry for it's mother and she will be able to find it more easily. Please call the organization which I am associated with for immediate advice:
Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge (757) 430-2886
Thank you for taking the time to read about another of my successful rehabilitation and release stories. I welcome your comments!
Enjoy your wildlife ~ Kim Johnson