Peanut the Squirrel: NYC Seizure Explained
Remember Peanut the squirrel? You know, the one who captured hearts in New York City with his fearless antics and undeniable charm? Well, Peanut's had a rough couple of weeks, folks. He was found sprawled out on the sidewalk, twitching uncontrollably.
What happened to Peanut?
Turns out, Peanut wasn't playing possum. He was having a seizure.
Seizures in squirrels, though not as common as you might think, can happen. There are a bunch of reasons why, but most likely, it was caused by stress. This little guy lived in a crazy, loud city with tons of people and traffic. That's gotta be a real headache, even for a squirrel.
Stress isn't the only culprit.
Other possible causes include:
- Infections
- Parasites
- Brain tumors
It's also important to remember that wildlife is often exposed to things that can make them sick.
Peanut's Recovery
After being taken in by the Wildlife Rescue League, Peanut was given the best care possible. He received fluids and medication, which hopefully helped him feel better. Thankfully, he recovered quickly and was released back into the wild.
What can you do?
If you see a squirrel behaving strangely, don't just walk by. You could be saving its life.
- Call your local wildlife rescue organization - they are the experts and know how to handle these situations.
- Don't try to touch the squirrel - even if it seems friendly, it could be scared and bite.
- Keep a safe distance and observe the squirrel's behavior.
Let's be kind to wildlife, especially when they're in need. Peanut's story is a reminder that we share this planet with animals, and we all have a responsibility to look out for each other.