Sadly, not all of our patients recover. This Eastern gray squirrel was discovered trapped by her tail on the metal hook shown in the photos. Her tail was entangled in the screws and the homeowners were unable to free her.
Thankfully, a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife officer was nearby, and he managed to get the squirrel contained and brought her to us. While under anesthesia, we were able to get her loose, but she had other irreparable injuries. The most serious was a fractured jaw that she likely suffered during the ordeal.
Compassionate euthanasia is an important part of the work we do. While we wish every patient was able to be returned to the wild, we understand that it not possible.