The Scholarly Squirrel - Ideas for Activism

ACTIVISM

For the squirrel enthusiast who desires to preserve, protect, and promote our furry friends, The Scholarly Squirrel offers a few ideas on how to get involved:

BECOME A SQUIRREL REHABILITATOR. Did you know that every year countless squirrels are injured by automobiles or fall out of their nests and need to be nursed back to health? Most states have wildlife rehabilitation centers which offer free classes on taking care of injured squirrels, birds, and other wildlife. You can learn how to feed injured squirrels, bandage wounds, treat infections, and perform all kinds of valuable services. Usually after a few hours of supervised work at a rehab center, you can apply to become a licensed rehabilitator. You will need to check the licensing requirements of your particular state for the details. If an when you are licensed, you can expect either: 1) You are placed on a list of licensed rehabilitators. Once an injured squirrel is brought in to a center, you may be asked to house that squirrel in your own home and nurse it back to health; or 2) You can work at the center, either as volunteer or paid staff, to take care of squirrels and other wildlife who are brought in. Check your local telephone directory for a wildlife rehabiliation center or fill in an on-line request for information at the Squirrel Wildlife Rehabilitation website.

VOLUNTEER AS AN ON-CALL SQUIRREL FEEDER. If you lack the time to take rehab classes or work toward getting licensed, don’t worry, you can still be part of the fun! Springtime is especially busy for wildlife rehabilitation centers, because large numbers of baby squirrels fall out of their nests. Ask your local wildlife rehabilitation center if they place non-licensed helpers on an "on-call" list. Once a large number of squirrels are brought in, you will be asked to come in for as little or as much time as you can afford to help feed injured babies. The young squirrels need to be fed 'round the clock and most centers are glad for the help!

MAKE YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MORE SQUIRREL-FRIENDLY. Don’t hesitate to brainstorm creative ways to make your community more squirrel-friendly. In Washington state, environmental groups petitioned their county government to construct a "squirrel overpass" to protect endangered squirrels from the potential dangers of a new highway. Similar squirrel bridges have been constructed in both England and Scotland. A Florida woman recently made headlines by petitioning her local electric company to make local power lines safer for squirrels. (To date, only a few companies install "squirrel guards" on their transformers to protect curious squirrels from electrocution. Squirrel guards are financially wise investments for electric companies, because they help to reduce power outages. Don't hesitate to ask your local electric company to use squirrel guards!)

JOIN OR START AN ORGANIZATION FOR SQUIRREL ENTHUSIASTS. For example, The Squirrel Lover’s Club publishes its own newsletter, sponsors squirrel watching outings and pilgrimages to famed White Squirrel towns, sells squirrely merchandise and provides members with squirrel veterinary and rehabilitation assistance. The annual membership fee is $16.

BECOME A CHAMPION OF ENDANGERED SQUIRRELS. Did you know that there are several squirrel species that are endangered, often because of human activities such as deforestation? The list of endangered and threatened squirrels include the Northern Flying Squirrel, Mount Graham Red Squirrel, Delmarva Fox Squirrel, Idaho Ground Squirrel, Sherman's Fox Squirrel, San Joaquin Antelope Squirrel, Mohave Ground Squirrel, Washington Ground Squirrel and British Red Squirrel. Consider volunteering with or providing a financial donation to environmental organizations such as the National Wildlife Federation or the Defenders of Wildlife to help protect our furry friends!

SHOP AT SQUIRREL-FRIENDLY STORES. For your squirrel care needs or squirrel-related gifts, shop at squirrel-friendly stores such as The Squirrel Store, which donates a portion of their profits to help rescue orphaned and injured squirrels!

SUPPORT SQUIRREL-FRIENDLY ORGANIZATIONS AND CAUSES. In addition to supporting endangered animals organizations, you can become a member or provide a financial donation to animal rights organizations such as The Animal Legal Defense Fund or wildlife rehabilitation organizations such as the The National Wildlife Rehabilitation Association and the The International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.