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Rare Squirrels Find New Home for Holidays
23 Dec
Summary
- Two rare Big Cypress fox squirrels were rehabilitated after injuries.
- The squirrels were released together before the holidays.
- One squirrel had melanism, a rare black and white coat mutation.
Two "rare and elusive" juvenile Big Cypress fox squirrels, a threatened species in Florida, have been released into their natural habitat following rehabilitation for injuries sustained from falls.
The squirrels spent two months at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's wildlife hospital, receiving specialized care and diets. They were housed together to foster natural behaviors and reduce stress, eventually being moved to an outdoor enclosure to prepare them for the wild.
One of the squirrels displayed melanism, a rare genetic mutation resulting in a black and white coat, which is uncommon in southern Florida's heat. Their release just before the holidays marks a successful outcome for the conservancy, highlighting their dedication to wildlife conservation.
