Bandit the Squirrel

[Farplace]

He's about 9 months old. It's frustrating because although we are in a Red Squirrel area, there has been no reported reds within 5 miles, and we have wild grey squirrels in our woodland a mile away. However, we need to be seen to be legal.... and Stephen is a joy to look after.
I too hope we can find a friend for him soon - although we will then have to have permission to keep two.

[tufftie]

That is a bit frustrating. fingers crossed for a friend for him soon

[Hedgehoggy]

Originally Posted by Farplace

This is Stephen. We got him as an orphaned baby and he is very tame. We are hoping to soon get him neutered, and hopefully another squirrel-friend within the year. because we live in an "official" red squirrel area, we are not allowed to release him.

He's gorgeous, Jan Last year I bottle fed a baby squig for the first time, so sweet how they grasp onto the feeding syringe with their tiny 'hands'! The baby squig was one of several handed over to a local squirrel carer by the RSPCA.

[Brocakat]

Is 'reintroducing' any wild animal back into the Wild the same thing as simply catching and treating one?

I can see the difference between raising an orphan wild bird or wild mammal and simply trapping it then jabbing it & then letting it go.

[Seal Morning]

Thats a really interesting point you have raised. I have heard of Wildlife Rescue Centres and the RSPCA trapping, treating and releasing wildlife almost immediately on occasions. I think the law regards squirrels as vermin so maybe that is the problem, I have no idea. If the squirrel is trapped and treated in situ and immediately released, I can't see what the issue would be as it hasn't been removed from one location and artificially reintroduced into another.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by Seal Morning

Thats a really interesting point you have raised. I have heard of Wildlife Rescue Centres and the RSPCA trapping, treating and releasing wildlife almost immediately on occasions. I think the law regards squirrels as vermin so maybe that is the problem, I have no idea. If the squirrel is trapped and treated in situ and immediately released, I can't see what the issue would be as it hasn't been removed from one location and artificially reintroduced into another.

See the "grey squirrel" thread in the treehouse it has all you need to know..

[Seal Morning]

Today we ventured 20ft up the oak tree to Bandits penthouse....outed the flea infested bedding and replaced it with dusted wood shavings and fresh hay....didn't leave rose petals on his pillow just a few hazelnuts !