In a heartwarming pre-holiday release, two juvenile squirrels from a rare and threatened species have been given a new lease on life in the wilds of Florida. The pair of Big Cypress fox squirrels were successfully returned to their natural habitat after a lengthy stay at a wildlife rehabilitation centre, where an unusual bond formed between them.
A Special and Uncommon Rehabilitation Case
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida's von Arx Wildlife Hospital had not treated a single Big Cypress fox squirrel in at least ten years, making the arrival of these two juveniles a significant event. Both squirrels were admitted with injuries consistent with falls from their nests. One, believed to be orphaned, was found approaching people in search of food, while the other was brought in with a nosebleed about two weeks later after a similar fall.
Lauren Barkley, the hospital's associate director, described it as a "special case for our team." She emphasised the inspiration her staff draws from being able to rehabilitate such rare animals and return them to their natural habitat, particularly just before the holiday season.
Bonding for a Better Chance at Survival
During their convalescence, which lasted 74 days for one squirrel and 56 for the other, the decision was made to house them together. This strategy proved highly beneficial, allowing the animals to develop crucial natural behaviours like climbing and foraging while reducing the stress of isolation. Their bond became a key factor in their recovery plan.
"They were set free together to reduce stress and support natural behaviours during their transition back into the wild, increasing their chance of success," Barkley explained. Before their release, the pair were moved to an outdoor enclosure to simulate wild conditions, where they demonstrated full competency in climbing, jumping, and cracking nuts independently.
Returning to a High-Quality Habitat
The release site was carefully chosen for its rich, high-quality pine and cypress habitat, located near the original nest of one of the squirrels. Big Cypress fox squirrels, which can grow up to three times larger than common grey squirrels, are listed as a threatened species in Florida. According to the National Park Service, pockets of these elusive animals, which were hunted as game until the 1950s, inhabit the pine forests, cypress stands, and swamps of south-west Florida.
Adding to the uniqueness of this pair, one of the squirrels sports a striking black and white coat resulting from a genetic mutation called melanism. This mutation, which affects fur pigment, is more common in fox squirrels from colder climates and is considered particularly rare in the heat of southern Florida.
The successful joint release of these bonded squirrels marks a hopeful chapter for the conservation of this vulnerable species, demonstrating the profound impact of tailored rehabilitation strategies on wildlife recovery.
