Baby Squirrel- 8 weeks: she’s playing peek a boo for the first time

Brucey is a grey squirrel, she is 11 weeks old now. We found Brucey & her sibling after a wind storm when they were likely less than a day old, being eaten by ants in a parking lot in a snake-heavy part of FL. Little tiny pink things with umbilical cords still attached. We placed her at the tree base & watched for a mama. No squirrels came to claim them, so we set out on the adventure of raising tiny pinkie squirrels.

Brucey’s sibling had a harder fall than Brucey with bruising or internal injuries & passed away in my hands at 3 days old. It was very sad. I fed Brucey by hand, round the clock, for 10 weeks, she has recently been weaned & is eating solid foods now. She has just reached the age when squirrel rescues recommend beginning the process of releasing a baby squirrel.

Brucey has been through pneumonia & a broken arm requiring cast, causing stunted growth to her hand. She seems to have recovered very well, but we are apprehensive to release her into the neighborhood with plentiful hawks, cats & neighbors who harm squirrels.

I spend ample time every single day acclimating Brucey to the outside. The outside still frightens her & she prefers to climb up me & sit on my shoulder or head instead of exploring. She’s a very happy squirrel, doing lots of climbing. She squeals when she’s irritated, purrs when she’s happy & playing & makes a cute little pig sound when she gets to sit on my shoulder or knees eating a snack. She loves to be petted & scratched down her back & I seem to be her favorite person. She is always so content to climb up my body & sit on my shoulder.

We are building an aviary for her in the backyard. We eventually plan to leave the door open, so she can come & go as she pleases, but will always have someplace safe to retreat to.

Having a baby squirrel fall into my life has been such an adventure, I truly love this little baby. She has become a great friend.