We found a sick squirrel and nursed him back to health.. is he ok to be released in the snow?

Question

We recently acquired a squirrel who seems to have fallen from a tree.. He had a broken leg and foot and wasn't able to move and seemed to have some head trauma. We've kept him for about 2 weeks now and have been feeding him and giving him water. He's getting a lot better and can run around and climb again and we're almost ready to release him. I'm just somewhat nervous about it because now that it is winter and snowing, we aren't sure he will be able to find food or make a suitable nest. Any advice? I don't really want to keep him any longer because I don't want him to get too familiar with humans and lose his natural instincts, but if letting him go mean he won't survive, I don't think I would want that either.

Answer 1

my answer would be no. he hasn't had time to build his food source. also, he probably is already used to humans. it wouldn't be safe to let him go.

Answer 2

Well as its winter now(i am guessing)where you live,its probably not a good idea to release him. As it will be harder for him to find food & get back into being a wild animal. As he's had food at your place,he it may take him a while to realize that hes got to hunt/find the nuts/berries etc.



I would suggest to keep him until spring,however he will become even more used to you/people. Maybe contact an animal rescue center.

Though i suggest keeping him until spring. Just don't get too attached to him... And give him whole hazel nuts in their shells,or other nuts in their shells,to its more natural for him.



I am guessing he's a Grey Squirrel? Here's a couple sites the first ones about them & the other is more of a FAQ/Facts one.



http://www.wildlifetrust.org.uk/urbanwt/WIS_pages/Squirrels.htm



http://www.squirrels.org/faq.html



Hope this helps,xxx

Answer 3

I had one which used to loaf round at our fowl feeder as a baby we nic named it Squeekie through noise it made even as sitting out their and that i guess the noise they make speaking with one yet another.

Answer 4

Keep him until it gets warmer, I hear you can slowly adjust him back to the wild by exposing him more to the outdoors when the weather's fair.