When we pulled into the driveway on a Friday in late August, I saw a baby squirrel lying beside our gray cat. At first, I thought our cat had been mischievous. Then the fuzzy little critter started moving. This little guy was willingly sunbathing beside our cat!
Unbeknownst to us, there was a squirrel nest in the holly at the corner of the garage. Not wanting to interfere with wildlife, we waited for the mama squirrel to return. On Saturday, they were still hanging around. My animal-loving 8-year-old took an immediate interest in caring for them. We filled a jar lid with water and laid out some kale leaves.
On Sunday morning, we discovered we lost one and found a third one in the lilies. I quickly realized that something had happened to the mama squirrel, and my heart ached at the time we lost. These brave little babies wandered out of the nest in search of food.
Courage in Leaving the Nest
After a quick online search, I found a wildlife rehabilitation and conservancy that specialized in the rehabilitation of eastern gray squirrels and eastern cottontail rabbits. We quickly converted an Amazon box, gathered the remaining baby squirrels and began our 45-minute commute.
The wildlife rehabber said mama squirrels are very nurturing and do not leave their babies. She estimated they hadn’t eaten in nearly a week. The babies patiently waited for her return, but realized they must leave the nest for survival.
During the drive back home, I kept thinking about the baby squirrels’ bravery. There was a lesson in their courage to venture from the comforts of the nest.
Challenge Yourself to Take a Risk
Challenge yourself to take a risk. Leave the comfort of the day-to-day status quo. Embrace change, whatever that leap of faith looks like for you.
- Explore that AI software that you’ve been thinking about. Attend FinTech Connect to help strategically drive your 2026 technology roadmap.
- Explore offering flexibility for your employees.
- Explore succession planning with the credit union board.
- Explore a new work project.
- Personally, explore that home project you’ve been putting off.
- Personally, explore learning something new.
You get the idea. Make time for the things that have been on the back burner. Step outside of your comfort zone and make a plan because that’s where the real growth happens. Leave the nest!
Learn More About Wildlife Near You
Sept. 4 is National Wildlife Day! Learn more about Tennessee’s amazing wildlife and biodiversity by visiting the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s website.
And if you find a critter needing help, please visit the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s website to learn about licensed animal rehabilitators near you.
A huge thank you to Marshall Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation & Conservancy for helping our baby squirrel.
Photo Banner: The lone survivor, a baby girl, receives care from Marshall Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservancy.
