Tiny orphaned flying squirrel gets second chance to soar from Kamloops animal rehab centre

KAMLOOPS — A young flying squirrel found alone in Blind Bay was turned into the B.C.Wildlife Park over the weekend.

The park's animal care supervisor, Tracy Reynolds, says the animal's mother was likely killed which resulted in the squirrel being abandoned.

"When it came in, it was pretty lethargic and pretty cold," she says.

The flying squirrel is a male and they believe it's approximately four to five weeks old.

"He's doing much better now, he's drinking well and getting hydrated," she says, adding the squirrel is currently staying at home with the park's vet technician as they need to be fed every few hours.

Flying squirrels are pretty common in the area but they are nocturnal, she says.

Reynolds believes they will have the squirrel at the rehab facility through the winter.

"We can't just throw it out there and say good luck, it has to be able to have time to make a stash and a home for itself so it is very likely we will have it stay until next spring," she says.

This is the third flying squirrel the facility has had in their care this year.


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Karen Edwards

Originally from southern Ontario, Karen Edwards moved out west after completing her journalism diploma at Durham College. She first began reporting in northern Alberta for a small town newspaper. The busy two-person newsroom taught Karen the importance of accurate and fast reporting. Now working for iNFO News, she is excited to report in a larger community. Karen has written for all kinds of news, including education, crime and mental health. Her background also includes video journalism and documentary production.

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