Orphaned Squirrels Who Won't Return to the Wild
Hand Raised Squirrels May Be Resistant to Living Outdoors
Oct 4, 2008
Returning a hand-raised squirrel to the wild can be an emotional and difficult process, both for caretaker and for the orphaned squirrel.
It's important for squirrel caretakers to understand, though, that releasing an orphaned squirrel into the wild can be a long and gradual process that's a bit different for each individual squirrel. Some squirrels take just a few weeks to transition into living outdoors full-time, while other squirrels can take months before they are comfortable living outside. In a few cases, the orphaned squirrel will never feel comfortable living outside full-time, and in these cases, alternate living arrangements must be made.
Releasing a Squirrel Into the Great Outdoors: The Reluctant Wild Squirrel
Some squirrels have a distinct interest in the outdoors, but many remain very reliant on their caretakers for food, social interaction and housing. This can result in a squirrel who sits at the door, waiting to return inside - a potentially dangerous situation for the squirrel, who is prone to predation during this vulnerable time. The squirrel who begs to be let back indoors is also not focusing on "being a squirrel" - working on those skills that are vital for outdoor life.
For a squirrel that is having a difficult time acclimating to the wild, the most effective solution involves taking a few steps back and moving a bit slower through the acclimation process which involves exposure to the outdoors, followed by supervised time outdoors, and then an increasing amount of unsupervised time spent outdoors.
Providing Creature Comforts to the Orphaned Squirrel as he Transitions to the Wild
Squirrel caretakers are reminded that a warm, cozy squirrel nesting box (provided to the squirrel for familiarization while he's still living indoors) and a daily food supply is vital if an orphaned squirrel's release into the wild is going to be successful.
It's important to remember that some squirrels who have moved into the wild will require some degree of continuing care (i.e. food) for an extended period of time, and in some cases, for life.
Notably, the weather can make a big difference when it comes to introducing an orphaned squirrel into the wild. Rainy weather, snow and cold can all delay the squirrel's transition into the wild and for good reason - many young squirrels have a relatively thin coat of fur that takes time to completely fill out. This makes the squirrel more prone to experiencing discomfort during inclement weather and cold weather. Often, the squirrel must be provided with access to the indoors throughout their first winter.
Using a Squirrel Cage to Ease an Orphaned Squirrel into the Wild
A squirrel cage is an extremely valuable tool for squirrel caretakers who are looking to provide their squirrel with a smooth transition into the wild. A squirrel cage can be constructed of a wooden frame (between 15x15x15 and 20x20x20) in the shape of a box, which is usually constructed around the base of one or two small trees which extend through the top of the cage, which will be created with chicken wire. A door must be included to allow the caretaker to access the squirrel cage. This cage is inexpensive and easy to to construct and disassemble when necessary.
Fill the squirrel cage with stumps, small trees, grass, large rocks, bushes and other elements of the squirrel's natural environment. A feeding area, a warm, cozy nesting box, and some shelves for jumping and climbing must also be provided.
A squirrel cage can serve as a sort of squirrel halfway house that will ensure the squirrel's safety while providing him with exposure to the wild world. The squirrel can begin by spending a few hours at a time in the squirrel cage. Over time, the squirrel can spend more and more time in the squirrel cage, until he's spending his entire day outdoors. Gradually, the squirrel should begin spending most the night in his squirrel cage, with visits indoors becoming less and less frequent.
Once the squirrel is living in the squirrel cage full time, he can be allowed to explore the world outside his cage for more and more time. At this point, many squirrel caretakers will install a small doggy door (situated high up, to avoid access from cats or dogs) on the cage. The squirrel can be taught to use the doggy door so that he can come and go as he pleases. Over time, the squirrel will spend less and less time in the squirrel cage and more time in the wild, providing a smooth transition for the squirrel into the great outdoors.
Notably, a squirrel cage is an ideal long term accommodation for a squirrel who cannot be returned to the wild due to a physical disability or other factors.
Related Reading
Orphaned squirrel caretakers may also find the Orphaned Squirrel Resource Page helpful, with its articles on squirrel care, squirrel diet, and raising orphaned baby squirrels.
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