Red squirrel rehabilitation in the UK involves specific protocols for handling, feeding, and release that respect the species' sensitivity and maximise post-release survival.
Red squirrel rehabilitation is a specialist skill requiring understanding of the species' extreme stress sensitivity. Excessive handling, incorrect diet, and premature release are the most common causes of rehabilitation failure. Providing a quiet, dark, minimally stimulating environment during recovery, with species-appropriate diet including nuts, seeds, and fungi, is essential. Release into established red squirrel habitat - ideally on islands or peninsulas where grey squirrel competition is minimal - maximises welfare outcomes. Given the conservation importance of every individual, high-quality rehabilitation with careful post-release monitoring is justified and valuable.