09/08/2025
Time of death: 3:25am Monday morning
Yes, I've been up with this kiddo since I got him last night at 9:30pm. I didn't even attempt to go to bed because I wanted to try to save his life.
You found him over 24 hours before you reached out for help, stating you had to go to work Monday and couldn't take him with you to feed him. That's the only reason you reached out for help. ☹️ You found him cold, wet, and on the ground after the terrible storm we had Saturday afternoon. You researched baby squirrel care on the internet and made the decision to reach into your cupboard and open a can of evaporated milk and feed it to a COLD, DEHYDRATED squirrel with a 2 ounce nurser bottle....because "the internet said so."
Did the internet tell you that if he was cold and wet, he needed to be gently warmed up on a heating pad first? NO. Did the internet tell you he needed antibiotics asap for exposure pneumonia? NO. Did the internet tell you he could possibly have injuries that need to be evaluated and treated? NO. But, THE INTERNET told you to feed him evaporated milk, so you did.....ugh. You didn't even dilute it, nor did you heat it. When he arrived, he was clicking. I could hear it even without putting him up to my ear. You aspirated him...meaning you put that milk into his lungs, causing aspiration pneumonia....another reason he needed antibiotics asap.
Bottom line: you killed him....sorry, but you did.
This is so sad, and it happens a LOT. This could have easily been prevented by doing 2 things.....1. Call a licensed rehabber immediately upon finding an orphaned or injured wildlife baby....and 2. DO NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU READ ON THE INTERNET! Anyone can post anything on the internet, and people would believe it.
I am so tired of getting babies who have been fed some concoction you made from whatever you have in your kitchen. These babies need to be fully hydrated before we can give any formula. They also must be warm. These babies need species specific formulas. Feeding a cold baby anything can kill him. And, it did.
I immediately gave antibiotics, suctioned his nose to get any milk out, and put this baby on heat. When he was warm, I subqd him with lactated ringers and tubed electrolytes. I returned him to heat and repeated fluids. At one point, I saw his breathing had changed dramatically. I knew he was dying. I held him up to my chest and just loved on him until he took his last breath. That's all I could do. I failed, but I am thankful that you found him and didn't let him just die out there. Please know that I tried everything I could to save him, but in the end, all I could do was watch him take his last breath. At least he died warm, safe, and in my hands. 💔😭
PLEASE folks, just call a licensed rehabber. Don't try to research this stuff on the internet. And, do not ask me to teach rehabbing 101 over the phone or thru text messages. I have a LOT of wildlife patients in my care, and I just can't do it. If you want to learn to be a wildlife rehabilitator, find someone to mentor you, go thru the process, and get your permit.
Btw, you could have at least made a donation. I gave you a card and explained (like I explain to everyone who brings me wildlife) that everything I do for these babies comes out of my pocket, and any donation would be greatly appreciated. But you just thanked me for taking him and walked away. That's usually the reaction I get. My guesstimate is that 95% of people who bring me wildlife do not donate anything. I send everyone links for ways to donate, and still nothing in most cases.
It's ok. I think after this year, I'm done. I just can't afford to keep doing this with very little donations or volunteers. People say they would like to volunteer, but actually, they just come over, take pictures of the cute animals, help out for an hour or so, and are never heard from again.
I currently have 34 possums, 6 raccoons, 1 skunk, 2 groundhogs, and 16 bunnies in my care. I must make formulas, feed everyone, clean cages, pick natural foods, do grocery shopping for them, wash critter laundry, and more BY MYSELF. It's a lot! My ONE consistant and dependable volunteer comes for several hours every 2 weeks. Laurel Carle is amazing. (Big shoutout- thank you Laurel!) I need about 5 more of her!! But I've had no luck getting anyone to come back for whatever reason. If you would like to volunteer, and can come on some sort of schedule to help out, please text me. I NEED some help. 704-472-8385
Also, I will have a minimum of 27 possums and 1 raccoon that I will have to overwinter due to their size. These guys will be quite expensive to keep until spring. The electrical work and roof repair that I HAD to get done ate a huge chunk out of my funds, both wildlife and personal, but neither were optional.
If you can possibly make a donation, please do. Seriously folks, I will be grateful for anything. Maybe you brought an animal and meant to send a donation...this is your chance to send one. Here are some ways to donate. ..
🐾 Want to help?
Here’s How:
🟢 Donate Online
💻 https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/critters-need-cover
Every dollar goes directly to animal care—formula, meds, and supplies.
🟢 Other Ways to Give:
• PayPal: [email protected] (Please select “Friends and Family”)
• CashApp $CreeksideWR
• Venmo:
• Mail Donations To:
Creekside Wildlife Rescue
c/o Connie Switzer
1635 Fallston Rd.
Shelby, NC 28150
(Checks or hidden cash in cards welcome!)
🟢 Please share this...
Even if you can’t give, sharing helps us reach people who can.
This work is 365 days a year. I’m just asking for a little help to keep it going. Thank you for standing with us and the animals who depend on us. ❤️🐇🦨🐁🦝🐿🐾❤️
— With gratitude,
The Creekside Wildlife Rescue Team
