In the heart of San Rafael, California, Nutkin, a grouchy yet endearing squirrel known for their sass and character, finds themself in grave danger.  Nutkin, believed to have been hand-fed and raised by humans, has bitten two elderly individuals, and now authorities, including the city officials, and state, aim to euthanize them.  However, the real issue lies not with Nutkin, but with human behavior.  https://thefurbearers.com/blog/dont-blame-the-squirrel-human-behaviour-is-the-real-problem/

Why is this happening? When individuals feed wildlife, these animals may become imprinted, believing humans will always provide sustenance. Consequently, they may approach people, inadvertently acting aggressively in search of food. Our actions have trained this squirrel to associate people not with danger, but with nourishment. Despite this, they have become labeled as aggressive and a threat to public safety.

The proposed solution to euthanize the squirrel is neither fitting nor humane. Killing Nutkin will not address the root problem of humans feeding wildlife and could set a dangerous precedent where wildlife that gets too "close" is condemned instead of being understood and helped.

We advocate for a more compassionate approach for this iconic San Rafael diva squirrel. This involves exploring soft relocation options or sanctuary settings where it can safely live away from urban areas. Relocation or sanctuaries would offer a haven, enabling the squirrel to exist naturally without being a perceived nuisance in human-dominated spaces.  And a captive sanctuary does not have to include public interaction.  There are plenty of captive wildlife sanctuaries that have lots of space for an animal to behave naturally, yet have barriers so the public can not touch the animals or vice versa.

Importantly, alternative solutions must involve education and community engagement to prevent future incidents. Establishing local awareness programs focused on wildlife habituation can help residents understand not to feed wild animals, thus preserving the balance of nature.

We can prevent the tragic and unnecessary euthanization of this squirrel by raising awareness and pushing for other solutions. A diva squirrel deserves a chance to live and thrive. Stand with us in advocating for a humane resolution that respects both wildlife and community interests.

Support us in urging the San Rafael officials and wildlife authorities to implement a relocation plan coupled with community education. Please sign this petition to save the iconic San Rafael squirrel from an unjust fate.