Squirrel baby raised by Portland man becomes his best friend In this heartwarming video, we follow the journey of a baby squirrel, rescued by a caring Portland man named Andy. The story begins when Andy was cutting down a dead cottonwood tree, unknowingly disturbing the nest where the baby squirrel was living with its mother. After realizing there were two squirrels inside, he took the one that seemed to need help, as it was found with its eyes closed.
Rescued and Raised with Care
Andy shares that the baby squirrel, affectionately named Merle, was nourished with goat's milk and specially formulated vitamin supplements intended for puppies. This nurturing approach is not only about keeping Merle alive but also about eventually preparing him for life in the wild.
A Unique Bond
As the squirrel grew, Andy found a way to let him enjoy the outdoors while ensuring his safety. Merle would romp around in the yard during the day, and Andy would provide him with rat food and apples—his favorite treat. The bond they formed is reminiscent of that between a pet and its owner, demonstrating the beauty of interspecies friendship.
Challenges Along the Way
However, the journey is not without its difficulties. Andy mentions the contentious nature of keeping a non-native species and how local regulations put pressure on him to consider euthanization for Merle. Despite this, Andy and his friends remain hopeful, planning to build a suitable habitat for Merle in the wild where he can thrive as a normal squirrel, surrounded by friends.
Conclusion
This touching story captures not just the effort of raising a wild animal but underscores the responsibilities that come with it. Andy’s determination to give Merle a chance at life in the wild reflects a deeper message about compassion for all living beings. What do you think about Andy’s approach? Have you ever had a similar experience with wildlife? Share your thoughts!
