Written by: Maria Rakita, PHSS Intern
Patient 21-1465 was a baby Grey Squirrel that fought to survive by her strong will and with the help of Pelican Harbor Seabird Station. Patient 1465 had fallen from her nest when she was found by a local bystander. They attempted to renest her, but sadly the renesting was not successful and she had to be brought in eight hours later. During her intake examination, she was found to be cold to the touch, slightly dehydrated, timid, had dirt in her nose, and weighed 39 grams. Patient 1465 was in dire need of help, especially since she wasn’t able to be reunited with her mother.
After her intake examination, she was given fluids subcutaneously and oral mammal electrolytes. Fluids that are given subcutaneously are similar to the fluids given to a person through an IV. It is meant to keep the patient hydrated under the skin, hence sub(under) cutaneous(skin). In order to give fluids subcutaneously, the fluids must be calculated based on their weight, then we add a small amount of vitamin B12 to the fluids. The fluids will build up and create a bubble under the skin which will slowly be absorbed by the body. The electrolytes that were given are meant to help rehydrate the baby squirrel. We have specific refeeding guidelines for new orphaned babies. They start with mammal electrolytes and are slowly introduced to a specialized formula. We do this because the formula we give them is not exactly the same milk they get from the mom, so introducing them to our formula too quickly can cause digestive issues and dehydration. The main plan was to keep an eye on her attitude, weight, and normal physical growth. We updated her feeding plan daily to determine how much milk she will be fed and when to introduce solid food.
Feeding squirrels can be extremely difficult because they are prone to aspiration, a condition in which fluid is inhaled into the lungs. When a squirrel becomes aspirated it can lead to more severe problems such as aspiration pneumonia which is why we encourage the public not to feed them. Unfortunately, patient 1465 became aspirated a couple of days after she was brought in because she was so hungry, she suckled too hard on the nipple. It could be deadly if not treated, however patient 1465 was in good hands and was given medicine right away. She got SDT (an antibiotic), as well as nebulization treatments to help clear out the lungs and prevent aspiration pneumonia.
Patient 1465 progressed very well with the treatments prescribed. As she grew in age, weight, and physical appearance she was able to eat what we call a soft squirrel diet and her formula. Soft squirrel diet is soft fruit and vegetables, as well as a specific biscuit that is soaked in water, so it is soft. Her weight increased and her fur looked healthy and soft. After a month of being fed formula and a soft diet, she was paired with other squirrels around her age to become wilder. We want a squirrel to become “wild” so it has a better chance of survival in the wild, so by pairing up squirrels they will be influenced by each other’s crazy and excited behavior. Since patient 1465 came in so quiet she was very calm, so pairing her up with other squirrels helped her become wilder. Patient 1465 and her group were fed a dry diet now which means they had fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, and a specific biscuit that is hard. Once squirrels’ teeth start to grow it is important to provide them with plenty of hard food that will prevent their teeth from overgrowing.
The next month, patient 1465 was moved outside into our aviaries to get used to the outdoor climate, socialize more, and hone her natural behaviors and skills. It is important to contact your local wildlife center if you find an injured or orphaned wild animal. This way they can properly assist you in what to do. We understand that when people find animals they are just trying to help but what we want to express is that what you think may be helping the animal could actually be harming it further. Pelican Harbor Seabird Station’s clinic staff has the proper training and experience when it comes to treating and caring for South Florida's native wildlife. All in all, squirrel 21-1465 was released and is now living her best life in the wild.
