A wildlife rescue in Indiana recently performed surgery to separate three baby squirrels whose tails had become permanently tangled together, a rare condition known as a “squirrel king.”
A squirrel king occurs when two or more baby squirrels get their tails caught in nesting material such as grass, leaves or stray hair. As the squirrels grow, the tails never come loose, leaving the animals stuck together.
ReWilding Indiana took in the trio of 12-week-old squirrels after a good Samaritan found them and brought them to the organization’s wildlife hospital.
Jennifer Hancock, director of Wildlife Rehabilitation for ReWilding Indiana, said the tangled tails had suffered too much damage to be saved.
“Because of all the damage done to their tails, they had to have their tails amputated,” Hancock said. “They have about an inch left on their tails.”
Squirrels rely on their bushy tails for balance, communication, temperature control and defense, so losing them presents a real adjustment for the animals. Even so, doctors determined amputation was necessary for the squirrels’ survival and quality of life.
So far, the three are recovering well.
“They’re doing really well,” Hancock said. “Eating and drinking great, and climbing all over their cage.”
Hancock said the squirrels’ enclosure is outfitted with hammocks and toys to climb on. Once they’ve fully healed, they will move to an outdoor enclosure with more climbing opportunities, a test to see how they manage without their tails in a larger space.
Because Indiana’s winter weather can be unpredictable, Hancock said the rescue will likely keep the squirrels through the season, giving them more time to adapt to life without a tail before any possible release. She said it’s possible none of the three will ultimately be released, though some or all could be if they continue to adjust well.
ReWilding Indiana said this is its first case of squirrel king, given how rare the condition is. The rescue has named the three squirrels Charles, Solomon and Francesca, after royalty.
