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In the world of wildlife rehabilitation, the road to recovery may involve a sense of connection and the comfort of a companion. Animals are driven by instinct, however, some of their needs also mirror the human desire for community. This story of two squirrels is a sweet reminder that a friend in need is a friend indeed!
Two Big Cypress fox squirrels were recently released back into their natural environment in Florida, according to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Although they were released together, each squirrel was admitted to the facility separately after falling out of their nests high up in the trees.
An Attachment Formed in Recovery
During their time at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the staff made the decision to house the two animals in the same enclosure. They observed that the two squirrels interacted with one another during the rehabilitation period and bonded. This companionship became a central part of their journey toward release.
The Big Cypress fox squirrel is native to just the southern section of Florida, according to The Roar. These fluffy squirrels are often reddish brown, black, gray, or a combination of colors, and are commonly found in cypress swamps, pine forests, and mangrove swamps. Their diet is varied, consisting of pine seed cones, saw palmetto berries, grasshoppers, acorns, and other fruits and seeds. They build nests in trees and forage for food in the brush below.
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Their population has been impacted by widespread development, resulting in habitat loss and land degradation. As a result, the Big Cypress fox squirrel is listed as a state-threatened species.
Return to the Wild
After two months of care at the conservancy’s von Arx wildlife hospital, the two bonded squirrels were deemed ready to return to nature, reports The Guardian. These squirrels are so elusive and uncommon, the staff had not treated one in over a decade, feeling privileged to be part of this successful rehabilitation. The release also took place just days before the 2025 Christmas holidays, adding a layer of celebration to the event.
“This was a special case for our team. Being able to rehabilitate these rare animals and return them to their natural habitat just before the holidays is exactly why my team and I are inspired to do this work every day,” the hospital’s associate director Lauren Barkley told The Guardian.
The pair was released to the wild together in an area rich with pine and cypress trees, close to the nest where one squirrel was first found, according to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
These two squirrels found support in one another during a period of vulnerability, a bond that helped with their release back into the wild. This represents more than a success for local conservation efforts; for the entire natural world, humans included, it shows the importance of companionship during the healing process.
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