Heartsore occasions.

avatar

We feel so helpless when we see this, and there is nothing that we can do about it.
065.jpg

NOTE: This is a very sensitive story.

We have four of the latest squirrel litter here, and the little lady in the pictures is one of our favorites.

On this particular morning, we knew that something was wrong, because all of the little squirrels normally come to our place for breakfast, and this time they didn't. It was almost a whole day of noise, as garden services worked with loud machines to tidy up in the streets and we didn't see them the rest of the day either. Then on the second day, only three of them arrived in the morning, and later in the day the fourth one, a young female, came hobbling along. We felt that something was wrong, and it was indeed, but not what we expected.

I went into the study to take some shots of her through the window, so as not to disturb her. And you can see the way that she was sitting on her heels.
061.JPG

She hobbled across to sit at the other part of the garden.
062.JPG

And then, when she turned around, I got the shock of my life. She must have been in pain.
064.JPG

Just look at that. Her right back foot was frozen with a line that ran across the knuckles, and her left back foot was gone.
067.JPG

The injuries told us that she got singed by an electrical fence somewhere, as we have seen the scorch marks on birds before.
068.JPG

Thankfully none of the other three were caught by a electrical fence, as they looked fine during the breakfast session the next morning.
027.JPG

Later in the day this one was cleaning up an avocado pip, and you can see that its feet are fine.
026.JPG

We are so sad, as we haven't seen the injured one since and we don't think that she will make it. I am sure that the owners of the electrical fences would not have meant for little animals to get caught in it, as they install electrical fences here to keep burglars out. But then again, the installers of the huge wind turbines in the countryside did also not mean for the blades to injure and kill low flying birds.
Such is life.

Photos by Zac Smith. All-Rights-Reserved.

Camera: Canon PowershotSX70HS Bridge camera.

Thank you kindly for supporting this post.

photographylovers photography fences squirrels injuries proofofbrain creativecoin neoxian vyb silverbloggers
0
0
0.000
20 comments
avatar

Wow... How wonderful that you have the opportunity to create such a beautiful bond with the squirrels! I hope the injured one recovers soon and surprises you with a smile!

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Just the way that we are, and the animals feel it. Sadly, it is now the third day, and she has not shown up, but we expected that, as her injuries are fatal.

!BEER

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Ugh... I was hoping she'd recover and happily surprise you all... I'm sorry.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar
(Edited)

Sad, but we just have to accept it. Thank you for the care.
!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Oh poor squirrel. It is so sad to know they are in disadvantage part when it comes to electric fences, as they don't have that enough intellect to know they can get themselves in danger with these particular things. You must be a squirrel in your past life because it was easy for you to spot the "wrong" feeling that day. Kidding aside, it's is nice to know you are good at spotting pain in these animals. I hope they receive the medication they need but I really don't know your town's practices when it comes to squirrel getting hurt. It might be an argument but I say electric fences are not good, knowing we have far crossed the boundaries of where to build houses and ruin the habitat of them. Just my opinion.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Yes, it is very sad, and the squirrel has now disappeared, but we saw that she was fatally wounded. They are still young, and you are right, as they don't know about the danger of the electric fences. Thankfully the other three arrived for breakfast and they are all fine.
I don't believe in a previous life, but if it was to be, then I wouldn't have minded being a squirrel Lol. We have some good veterinary practices here, but there was nothing that they could do for her, except to put her down. We don't have any electric fences here at our home, and we will not install any. But, for females and old people it is necessary for protection. Crime is rampant here, and one has to be very careful as contact with burglars can be fatal. The houses here was built many years ago when things were still safe, but a plethora of new developments are now taking place and many of them are being built in the natural habitats. We also don't like it.
But like I always say, such is life.

!PIZZA
!BEER

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I guess the least thing to do now is to honor the death of those squirrels who died from electric fences.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Squirrels are beautiful creatures. It's a shame about the accident with the electric fence. It's very sad, especially when we know for sure that it won't survive.

It's unfortunate how technology can protect us from thieves while at the same time harming these small animals and even birds that fly low. Let's hope there are no more accidents.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I agree and that's why I said that it's a heartsore story. Nothing that we could do about it, and she is no more.

Accidents there will always be, and we have saved many, but many also didn't make it. Just the way of life.

!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

That is sad, animals all to often end up being victims of human innovation or security. Hopefully that little female will manage to heal up, but even if she does she will be much easier prey for predators. But you are right, such is life...

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

You are right, and no, that little female will not make it, and she doesn't come here anymore. I said elsewhere that the other three still come to eat and they are all fine.
Such is life indeed!
!BEER

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

Aw poor little thing! You are like Snow White with all the birds and critters gathering around to share meals and such.

Perhaps with assessable food and already hopefully on the mend, that little one will make it. I think we have electrical fences up here but out in the fields to keep horses from the edges? Definitely not to deter burglars.

I guess not much you can do but hope and keep laying out that breakfast buffet.

0
0
0.000
Reply
avatar

I must be mistaken, as I always thought that Snow White was a female :)

Sorry to say, but she doesn't come anymore, and my wife are in tears but when the other three arrive then she is happy again. The losses always trouble us, and I am glad to hear that you have no burglars over there.

!BEER
!PIZZA

0
0
0.000
Reply