Healing An Eastern Gray Squirrel After Hurricane Irma

On September 11, 2017, Deanna Epps, a registered wildlife rehabilitator in Waxhaw, North Carolina, received a female Eastern gray squirrel that had fallen out of a tree during Hurricane Irma. She came in very lethargic, cold, and covered in a very thick clay mud from head to tail. She was washed in warm water to get all of the mud off, but was also sneezing with a runny nose, and she had some blood in her nostrils. After being placed in an incubator and warmed, her weight was at 194 grams. With a dose of antibiotics and proper fluids, she went back into the incubator for the night.

The next morning, she was fed a diluted formula, but was still lethargic and not wanting to eat anything. With more fluids, a heating pad, and some rest, Epps tried to feed her again later, but she would not eat enough to sustain herself. Epps decided to prepare the EmerAid Intensive Care Omnivore (as directed) and began feeding the small squirrel. She was still only taking a little bit at a time, but she was able to get the good nutrients that EmerAid provides.

Two days later, on September 13th, the small squirrel’s weight fell to 182 grams. Epps continued with the subcutaneous (SQ) fluids and antibiotic (as directed) plus several small feedings of EmerAid. The squirrel remained slightly weak, and although not lethargic anymore, it was feared that the Eastern gray squirrel was not going to make it. The next day, she continued to lose weight, but Epps was diligent with feeding the EmerAid Intensive Care Omnivore. The tiny squirrel showed some more energy. With small feedings three times a day, plus SQ fluids, the Eastern gray squirrel began to gain her energy, her appetite, and her weight back. By September 17th, she was weighing 190 grams and had enough energy to play with a friend. After a full rehabilitation period, the Eastern gray squirrel was released on October 4, 2017.

Posted on March 28, 2018