Deciding Whether to Return a Squirrel to the Wild or Adopt It

Deciding the Fate of a Squirrel After Rehabilitation: Return to the Wild or Adopt?

After successfully rehabilitating a squirrel, the question arises – should it be returned to the wild or kept as an adopted animal? This decision requires careful consideration and attention to the squirrel's well-being. Here are some scenarios when keeping a squirrel ("Non-Releasable Squirrel") might be a better option than returning it to the wild:

1. Injuries and Deformities: A squirrel with permanent injuries or deformities that would hinder it in the natural environment might be kept. Injuries such as broken bones that can't fully heal or deformed limbs make normal functioning in the wild difficult.

2. Health Issues: If a squirrel has chronic health problems that would make it vulnerable in the wild, such as poor vision, impaired hearing, or other conditions that hinder survival, keeping it is worth considering.

3. Human Bonding: If the squirrel has been in human care for a long time and developed a bond with humans, returning to the wild might be stressful. A squirrel that has lost its fear of humans and learned to depend on them might struggle to find food and shelter independently.

4. Dependence on Human Care: If a squirrel is dependent on human care, such as supplemental feeding or a special diet it wouldn't find in the wild, returning it to the wild could be risky for its survival.

5. Lack of Natural Skills: If a squirrel hasn't learned the essential skills for survival in the wild, such as foraging, finding shelter, or defending against predators, keeping it might be the better option.

It's important to note that deciding to keep a squirrel requires special attention and dedication. Adopting a squirrel is not the same as having a pet. It's necessary to provide appropriate space, diet, and environment that will meet the squirrel's natural needs. If you decide to keep a squirrel, it's essential to educate yourself properly about its care, diet, and behavior to ensure a happy and healthy life under human care.

On the other hand, if a squirrel is capable of independent life in the wild, returning it is ALWAYS the best option. Each situation is unique and requires an individual approach to make the best decision for the squirrel's well-being.

When making the decision about the squirrel's fate after rehabilitation, it is crucial that an individual does not make this decision alone. Instead, it is recommended to consult experts such as veterinarians or rehabilitators with experience working with wildlife. A veterinarian can assess the squirrel's health, identify possible problems or complications, and provide expert advice on whether the squirrel is capable of returning to the wild or if it would be better to keep it under human care.

Rehabilitators have a deep understanding of the natural instincts and behaviors of wild animals and will be able to assess whether the squirrel has acquired the necessary skills for survival in the wild. They can also provide advice on how to ensure optimal conditions and environment for the squirrel if it is decided to keep it.

The final decision should be based on the well-being of the squirrel itself, taking into account its health condition, natural skills and abilities, and specific circumstances. Collaboration with experts will ensure that the best decision is made for the squirrel, allowing it a happy and safe life regardless of the final outcome.

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NOTE: All information provided on this page is educational. For specific needs concerning squirrels, please consult a veterinarian or a wildlife protection center.

95% of the photos are taken by Conny & Dražen, with the remaining images by Graziella Mureta and Geert Weggen and licensed photos from Pixabay, Stock, and Shutterstock.