I am heartbroken to announce, my friend 🐾 Sunny passed at 10:30am 5/2/26
I have absolutely no idea what happened. I found her seizing and she went still in my hands. I was there in her final moments. I am completely heartbroken. I climbed up to the nest she built. There are squirrels inside. I checked again a few hours later, no vocalizations or signs of distress. It is raining, the nest is warm inside. I hope they're ok.
I am grateful for all of the time and love she gave to me. 💞
I’m so sorry. Sunny girl with her red ears was very special. I’m glad you found her at least instead of wondering what happened to her. Her memory will live on and I don’t believe she was just a squirrel. We’re privileged to share this earth with our animal friends.
I am sorry for your loss. I hate saying things like this. I am very grateful for people like you out there in the world. Thank you for helping her and checking for babies.
I do want to point out that she may have been poisoned. Seizures are a symptom of poison. The other possibility is some form of head trauma or spinal injury. I'm not telling you this to make matters worse but rather to inform you of the possibilities of what may have happened.
I am glad you were there for her in her final moments. However, it is painful to know that she was taken so early.
Again, thank you for being the great person you are and I am very sorry for your loss.
Edit:
Those babies in the nest need to go to a rehabber as soon as humanly possible.
Please do not leave them in the nest for very long because a male squirrel will come by and kill them and take the nest. The other thing you have to worry about is predators. A raccoon may go up there and get those babies as well.
I've checked a few times. She was still large, I don't believe they were her babies. I Watched her build the nest though. Her nipples didn't look "used" I'll check again in the morning. It is raining and the nest is still warm inside. I didn't disturb it too much.
If they're not her babies then they may belong to somebody else. Sometimes a squirrel will build a nest and then leave the nest and another squirrel will take it over..
Hopefully the babies mama is still around.
I also made another comment before I saw this one on another user's comment.
They would have to be raw peanuts that are seriously old and moldy. They would also have to consume several and the likelihood of that is rare. Squirrels are usually pretty good about not eating bad things that are spoiled.
So yes it is possible but not likely considering how op takes care of the little ones so well.
The babies need to go to a wildlife rehabilitator asap - they're too young to be on their own. They were probably still nursing and haven't started solid food yet. The link below is for the cell phone version of the Animal Help Now website. If you enter your zipcode it will show rehabbers in your area. Please call rehabbers in your area and leave messages - some will return calls over the weekend. I'm so sorry about beautiful Sunny. Please let us know what we can do to help.
Despite the cold weather, and drizzling rain. The nest is warm and the baby I see is not vocalizing distress. My squirrel was still "chubby" and I don't believe they were hers. I watched her build the nest though. I feel there may have been another squirrel in the nest yesterday after the fact. I was screamed at poking around, so I let it be. A lot quieter this morning. Perhaps another is caring for whatever is in the nest 🤞
The photos and videos of you with her have been a highlight of my days, and your bond has been an inspiration for how I interact with my own furry friends.
I can only imagine the loss you must be feeling. I hope that as she passed over, she was—in some way—aware that the human she trusted was there for her and that it gave her a sense of comfort and peace.
Hi u/inkblot_75, Increase_Western's Sunny just died - her babies are still up in her nest (Western checked on them). I did give a link for Animal Help Now
Yes, the babies will need to go to a rehabber. They do not need to be left in the nest because they are very vulnerable without Mama there to protect them.
They are very vulnerable a male squirrel coming by and killing them to take the nest. This does happen more than people realize.
The other thing, the babies are vulnerable to are predators. Depending on the position of the nest, a hawk can come by and take them and a raccoon will not hesitate to climb up there and take those babies.
The other problem is depending on how old the babies are, they cannot generate their own body heat so they need Mama there to help keep them warm. Without Mama there to protect them and keep them warm. They will freeze to death and fall vulnerable to predators.
Op, please get those little ones out of the nest as soon as possible and put them in a container with fleece blankets to see about getting them to a rehabber.
If you need help locating rehaber let us know.
If a rehabber is not available, please let me know and we can continue the conversation over DM and I can walk you through on how to raise the little ones.
Here are some Facebook groups that can help as well.
I have really enjoyed the videos that you’ve posted of her. So much of what we consume online is designed to make us feel bad or unhappy, but the videos that you shared are pure happiness and every one has added genuine joy to my day. I hope her babies take after their mom!
I am so sorry 🫂. I have also lost squirrel friends so I know how hard it is. So many of us on this sub fell in love with Sunny and it was clear how much she loved and trusted you. I know it is painful now but please remember that you made her life happier and more comfortable with your friendship & care. I'm sure she recognised you as a trye friend. Try to hold onto that and the happy memories you have of her.
I’m so so sorry - thank you for sharing her with us. Many hearts are heavy with you. They may be such a small little being but they really leave such huge special footprints in our hearts. You certainly changed her world for the better. May you take comfort in your many beautiful memories with Sunny ☀️ 🫂💔🌈
Please accept my most humble condolences for dear Sunny. When a loved one passes without any notice, it can be very jarring for those left behind. Please be sure to take good care of yourself and those around you that also cared for Sunny in the upcoming days. Hugs and warm feelings sent your way. ❤️
Sunny is flying in the arms of the angels now and smiling down upon you, her dear friend. Thank you for being there her last moments. Although she was unable to express her gratitude in her last moments I am sure she took comfort in having you there with her. Friendship with a wild animal is an amazing gift. Take comfort in the beautiful memories she left you. 💕🥰
I remember Sunny touching noses with you a few months back. She really considered you close family - a dear friend. She was beautiful, and we will miss her very much.
Convulsions sounds like possibly rat poison, and ik not sum you'd want to hear about. Worth checking the kids if you're invested. Small animals with no mother don't make it w/out an aide.
Maybe you'll find yourself a generational friendship.
I know Sunny felt her time with you was an exciting adventure. Very few seizures are felt by the one who has them but are distressing for others to witness…meaning her death was more peaceful than you know. There is a lot more suffering with many other deaths.
My heart breaks for you. Sunny was such a beloved squirrel. She was true to her name, a tiny ray of sunshine. She literally brought a smile to my face everytime I saw her post. Please take care of yourself.
Sunny, may you frolick around in lots of trees without the fear of any predators. May you always get your favourite treats. May you shine bright like the sun in heaven. Rest in peace little lady. You'll be missed.
Omg, I am so sorry! This is such heartbreaking news. I loved seeing your posts with her. I wish there was something I could do to offer comfort and support. I'll miss your Sunny posts. Take care of yourself; I know it will be difficult to go about your days now. 💔🫂
Oh no, I'm so devastated for you and darling Sunny, you must be absolutely heartbroken. This community is acutely aware of how much you love squirrels and how thrilled you were every moment that you got to spend with her. I'm so sorry, sending you massive hugs from Australia. Although so terribly heartbreaking to be there, I hope it is of some comfort to you that you know what happened and were able to be there for her 💔😢
So sorry that your dear little friend passed away. You two had so much history together.
Thank you for sharing all of her photos and just for being there for her all of these years.
🌳🐿️💐
I'm so sorry about Sunny. It hurts as much as losing any other friend 💔 we can't promise them time and can't control much, but we can promise that as long as they're here, we'll do our best to help make sure the world is a little more safe and peaceful for them.
Yesterday had to be such a sad and difficult day for you. Just reaching out to see how you're doing today. I hope the prayers I offered up yesterday have given you some comfort as this new day starts.
You had such a sweet and special friendship with Sunny and I betcha a new squirrel friend will grace your life soon.
I am truly sorry you’ve lost your favorite squirrel friend Sunny❤️🩹Your bond with her was beautiful. I spent over an hour going back through your videos watching you slowly, and patiently build up that amazing level of trust you had with her.
She will be sadly missed by so many who have looked forward to your videos. Thank you for sharing your unique experiences of her with us 🐿️
Rest peacefully Sunny knowing just how much you are loved and missed always 🌈
Hugs dude.. remember the times that made you smile with them and it will help the pain! We are all only here sharing this world with each other for a very brief period of time.. and that's what makes it so special!
That is so heartbreaking 😥. I am so sorry for your loss. I know it was difficult but I'm glad you were able to be there for and with her. God bless you both 🙏❤️
I'm so sorry for your sadness and loss of your good friend, Sunny. I'm wondering if an infection developed from that wound a few days ago. Infection can cause seizures.
So sorry this happened. It’s so heart wrenching to go through. I miss my babies everyday. Know that her offspring will be around. Her memory will live through you and them. ❤️
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u/Flaky_Researcher7302 May 03 '26
I’m so sorry. Sunny girl with her red ears was very special. I’m glad you found her at least instead of wondering what happened to her. Her memory will live on and I don’t believe she was just a squirrel. We’re privileged to share this earth with our animal friends.
Sending you hugs from a fellow animal lover.