Squirrels like Marcy have some a smaller body and a large-appearing head.  They sometimes have difficulty regulating their body temperature along with some physical challenges.  Marcy would likely not survive in the wild.

Since she arrived at Wild Care last year, the staff has worked with Marcy to teach her basic squirrel behaviors as well as how to cope with her physical limitations.  She has learned to climb over and under branches, transitioned to eating a moderately normal “grown up” squirrel menu and is able to regulate her body temp reasonably well.

Previous to Marcy, WIld Care had another dwarf squirrel named Edith.  Edith became a foster mother to orphaned babies that arrived at the clinic.  While she couldn’t feed the babies, she could provide the warmth, grooming and comfort that only a squirrel mom can provide.  The orphans benefited from the security and affection of a foster mom.

Wild Care hopes that Marcy may be able to become the new foster mom.  Additionally, they also plan to apply for a Fish and Wildlife Permit that allows them to keep her as an educational animal.  As a native species, Marcy can be a great ambassador to teach the important role that squirrels play in our environment – as forest regenerators, as well as important prey for many raptors and other animals.  Squirrels are also adorable animals that add intrinsic value to the Cape.

Stephanie Ellis, Executive Director at Wild Care, reminds us, “…it is illegal for people to keep squirrels as pets. So even though they are cute, they should stay in the wild, or go to a wildlife rehabilitator if it is injured or orphaned. Wild Care does not condone keeping wild animals as pets.”

Read the article on CapeCodToday: http://www.capecodtoday.com/article/2017/05/21/232286-Marcy-Very-Special-Squirrel-Wild-Care