Question: Dear Luise: I have a squirrel feeding station on my patio. My husband and I love to watch their antics. Right now we are really sad about a little Douglas squirrel that appears to have a broken right front leg. He runs but when he stops, he tips over. It’s something we want to help with if we only knew what to do. They aren’t tame. Lou
Answer: Dear Lou: I would suggest you call your vet if you have one, or ask a friend for the name of a good one. Tell the vet what you have going on and ask him for information about wild animal rescue in your area. There may not be any, but you won’t know until you try. If there is such a group, they may help you catch the squirrel and then take him in to nurse him back to health.
It’s hard to live on the edge of the wild world from a none-wild perspective. There are those who would tell you that the squirrel will soon be dinner for a hungry eagle or owl and not to interfere with the balance of nature. I’m sure there is truth in that perspective.
However, another way to look at it is that it’s your patio and your feeding station. It’s my belief that those factors make it your business, if you so choose. If you have no experience with trapping, and no equipment, you can’t catch him. Even wounded, he can get away from you. Any such attempt would tire him and fail, in all probability.
Pick your course of action or non-action and say a prayer for the little guy, if that is a frame of reference for you. I will, too.
I think it’s wonderful that you and your husband have kind hearts and are genuinely concerned. To my way of thinking, caring can extend as far as we choose to take it. Even to “all creatures, great and small”. Blessings, Luise
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