Orphaned Squirrel Who Became Social Media Star Was Euthanized After Being Seized From Home

Introduction

An orphaned squirrel named Squeaky, who rose to social media fame, was euthanized after being seized from her home. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office received a complaint that the squirrel was being kept illegally as a pet. Animal Control seized Squeaky from the home and took her to the Humboldt County Animal Shelter. The shelter staff determined that Squeaky was not releasable back into the wild due to her tameness and reliance on humans. The shelter staff made the difficult decision to euthanize Squeaky after exploring all other options.

Rise to Social Media Fame

Squeaky was found as an orphaned baby squirrel in 2016. She was taken in by a woman named Allison Hedgecock, who named her Squeaky due to the noises she made. Hedgecock began sharing videos and photos of Squeaky on social media, and the squirrel quickly became a sensation. Squeaky's videos and photos received millions of views and likes, and she even appeared on television shows and in magazines.

Legal Issues

In California, it is illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet without a permit. Hedgecock did not have a permit, so she was in violation of the law. The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office received a complaint about the squirrel, and Animal Control was sent to investigate. The Animal Control officers seized Squeaky from the home and took her to the Humboldt County Animal Shelter.

Euthanasia

The shelter staff determined that Squeaky was not releasable back into the wild due to her tameness and reliance on humans. The shelter staff explored all other options, including placing Squeaky in a sanctuary or zoo. However, they were unable to find a suitable placement for her. The shelter staff made the difficult decision to euthanize Squeaky on January 10, 2023.

Conclusion

The death of Squeaky is a reminder of the importance of following the law when it comes to keeping wildlife as pets. It is also a reminder of the importance of spaying and neutering pets to prevent unwanted litters of animals.