Editor’s Note: These young squirrels are part of the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series, which tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
A pair of infant Eastern Gray Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), patients 25-3057 and 3058, were rescued from a local construction site and admitted to CROW’s hospital. Eastern Gray Squirrels are curious, agile, and active mammals. Their ability to climb trees allows them to occupy a specific ecological niche, meaning they fill a unique role that contributes to the health of the ecosystem. These squirrels aid in forest regeneration through seed dispersal and serve as an important prey source for native predators such as bobcats, raptors, and Florida panthers.
Although these two are very young–estimated to be around 4 weeks of age–they are healthy and uninjured. CROW’s hospital staff is optimistic that they’ll continue developing well and will be ready for release in the coming weeks. Around 5 weeks of age, their eyes will open. They typically begin showing signs of independence between 10 and 12 weeks.
However, staff were concerned to learn the infants were fed puppy formula before they were brought to the hospital. Puppy formula is unsuitable for squirrels. Though it may seem counterintuitive, it is better to let an infant animal go hungry for a short period rather than feed it an improper diet. Every species has specific nutritional requirements; feeding an unsuitable formula can lead to serious health issues.
In this case, the puppy formula caused bloating and indigestion in the infant squirrels. Thanks to the prompt and skilled care of CROW’s rehabilitation staff, the squirrels recovered within a few days. Unfortunately, not all animals are so fortunate–improper feeding often leads to fatal complications.
If you need to keep an animal overnight or if you are unsure of the right course of action, call CROW’s wildlife hotline for instructions (239-322-5068) until you can bring the patient in for appropriate care.
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