21: Have You Hugged a Squirrel Today?

Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day plus it's National Hug Day,so  I'm officially calling it Hug a Squirrel Day.  You could also call today something like "Mom, Twitch is Sorry He's a Pain and Please Keep Feeding Him" Day. Please don't rush right out and actually hug one, especially if you don't like them- they are wild animals with painful teeth. My brother's dog found an hour-old baby squirrel dying in a hot street late one summer, and he called me to tell me "to come help him survive right now!" So I did and you can see a video of some pictures of him growing up  and a video of him playing hide and seek with me at the bottom of this post. Please note his gorgeous tail as he grows and favorite sleeping spot on my shoulder. 

Definitely don't take this as an endorsement of rehabbing wild creatures or stealing them from their nest - laws generally say let the professionals do it. Mind you, there are amazing resources out there should you find yourself in desperate need from having found a tiny baby squirrel and being unable to replace him or her into the nest. If you can put them in a nest, go for it. Squirrels will generally take care of any baby squirrel they find, so any nest will do. If not, then this is one of the best sites ever and today's feature for Donations by the Dozen: Squirrel Refuge. You will find nearly all you need to know or at least something to lead you to what you need to know,
Squirrel Refuge "functions to serve the needs of abandoned, confiscated, orphaned, sick and injured rodents of the Sciuridae (squirrel) family.   Our goal is to further the well being of these amazing creatures; as well as, provide a source of accurate information through public education to further care and concern for all wildlife - from the least to the greatest."(http://www.squirrelrefuge.org/aboutus.html) Squirrel Refuge has a large state, regional and national network of licensed rehabbers, veterinarians, Fish and Game departments resources, and other experts to help rehab and release wild animals back to their natural habitats. This is their euthanasia policy, which makes us animal lovers happy: 

Our Euthanasia PolicyWe take euthanasia very seriously. Washington law does not require the euthanasia of any releasable squirrel, opossum, or cottontail designated as ‘non-native’.  As such, Squirrel Refuge does not kill non-native wildlife (including eastern gray or fox squirrels) on the basis of their species, nor do we condone or support in any way this lethal, harmful and unnecessary legislation among any prey species key to the survival of many native wildlife  species up the food chain.   Euthanasia is employed as a last option and is always carefully overseen to ensure minimal stress on the animal. (http://www.squirrelrefuge.org/aboutus.html)

The Squirrel Refuge is in Clark County Washington, and one issue they are facing with all of their wildlife needs is having a dedicated wildlife center. I have been to successful centers in various places, some good for the public and some not so great. I happen to be a fan of those open to educating the public and have learned a lot from them. I encourage you to visit one near you if you get the chance. I'm sure they need the support, and it helps with wildlife education and awareness.

More about Twitch

Twitch is officially Squire Twitchcelot. He was raised here in my house, and at the beginning, it was a
24/7 situation. I consider myself lucky, because rehabbing such young creatures without knowing their injuries can have lower success rates. I did not encourage him to get along with my pets, because I wanted him to have a healthy survival instinct when he moved to the wild. You will see his interaction with some cats in the slideshow,  but I was very careful to protect him. He was bottle-fed squirrel formula until he grew teeth and could begin switching to food. His first walnut is in the pictures. He was and still is an absolute jokester who loves playing hide and seek.You may not be able to tell in the video, but the game worked that as soon as I made eye contact and told him, I see you," he moved again to try and surprise me. I guarantee it was more fun for me than anyone. His sense of humor was very evident when he played, and I will always cherish the time he was in our home. 

Of course, I knew he could not stay forever. I taught Twitch to live in the wild and planned a program for his release. At first he just looked to other squirrels to protect him. He made friends the first day he still has two years later. He soon decided life would be easier at the bird feeder next door - you may have read my Audubon Society post about my mom's amazing bird feeders and houses, but she definitely had whole new levels to reach when it came to Twitch and company.  My mom definitely had not previously been a fan of squirrels, but Twitch won her over in, oh, maybe two seconds flat. Of course, she wasn't anticipating all of the wonderful friends he made, but we love them too. Each has his or her own personality and quirks, so it is fun to watch them each day. I did lose a lot of pictures, but I still think you might enjoy some of what I share below. Happy Hug a Squirrel Day, everyone. 

Twitch's Baby Slideshow and Hide and Seek with Twitch Videos

Here are some pictures my mom sent over of Twitch playing on her porch for Squirrel Appreciation Day. I will always appreciate the moments I share with you, Twitch.

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