Getting squirrely

Three baby squirrels nestle together for a nap. Page Dowdy/Chesterfield Observer While Hurricane Irene took out a score of trees as it made its way up the East Coast, it’s easy to overlook the furry inhabitants that once called them home. Fortunately for local wildlife, the Area Rehabbers Klub came to the rescue.

Brittany Sholar and Taylor Thomas were walking down the street in Ashland near Union First Market Bank when they came across one such resident in sorry shape. The 5-week-old squirrel’s nest had been knocked down by Irene, and the squirrel was trying to climb back up the tree.

“He was shaking very badly,” Sholar said.

Sholar and Thomas put the squirrel in a box and kept it warm. After looking for advice on the Internet, they came across the website for ARK, an all-volunteer nonprofit that specializes in taking care of wounded and abandoned wild animals.

“We rehabilitate them and return them to their natural habitat,” said Chris Linardos, treasurer and founding member.

An ARK volunteer feeds a baby squirrel that was rescued after it lost its home during Hurricane Irene. Page Dowdy/Chesterfield Observer Since Irene hit, ARK has been working around the clock to help wildlife in need. As of late last week, the organization’s 20 volunteers were caring for 280 squirrels, 12 raccoons, four baby bunnies and eight possum.

Linardos is averaging four hours of sleep a night as she takes care of 60 squirrels and the four bunnies at her home.

“It takes a long time to hand-feed animals and keep them clean,” Linardos said.

The younger squirrels, called “pinkies” because of their lack of fur, have to be fed every two to three hours. Older baby squirrels are fed every four to five hours.

Linardos also weathered Hurricane Fran. During that storm, ARK rehabilitated 157 animals.

“Chris was a godsend during Hurricane Fran,” said Julie Mitchell, a Chesterfield resident and ARK’s fundraising director. “She is one of the best rehabbers I’ve ever known.”

ARK took preparations for Irene by purchasing more than $1,000 in formula for feeding.

“I think it’s amazing,” Sholar said. “People are clueless on how to take care of wild animals.”

The most common problem Linardos sees with squirrels are respiratory conditions from being exposed to the wind and rain. Baby squirrels are supposed to maintain a body temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

“Our biggest challenge was keeping them warm and fed while the power was out,” Linardos said.

After a tree was downed in her front yard, Linardos went out with a handsaw to make sure the other volunteers could get through.

Malinda Wetsel, owner of BirdWatchers in Midlothian, has been working with ARK for eight years. A state-licensed wildlife rehabilitator, Wetsel has dedicated part of her home in Chesterfield for ARK. Wetsel helps the baby squirrels learn to eat using Cheerios, apple slices and pecans.

“They won’t be released until they’re mature enough to chew through a Brazil nut,” Wetsel said.

If it gets too late in the year for the squirrels to be released in the wild, Wetsel over-winters them. “If they come in young, and it’s late October, they’re not going to be able to survive the winter on their own.”

For Linardos, the squirrels always come first.

“We want to make sure they’re able to defend themselves and build a nest,” she said.

What to do

If you find a baby squirrel that’s in trouble, don’t leave it outside. Pick up the squirrel with a towel or glove, and put it in a warm, dark place. A shoebox with air holes and a top is ideal. Then place a heating pad under the box. Don’t let children play with the squirrel, and call ARK for intake.

“The most important thing is to keep it warm,” said Chris Linardos, ARK’s treasurer.

For more information on ARK, call 598-8380, or visit www.arkofva.org.