Sick squirrel found, nursed back to health

One squirrel has been garnering a lot of attention outside Jordan Hall. Endearingly dubbed E.T. by its caretakers -- its scrawny wrinkled body devoid of fur -- the only thing this squirrel has in common with others is its bushy tail. \nSince its sickly appearance was first noticed three weeks ago, the staff of the Undergraduate Advising Office in Jordan Hall has taken on the task to care for, treat and feed the animal. \nBehind Jordan Hall is a small grass-covered courtyard area, where students and staff can sit and observe the University's wildlife. \n"So many people come and sit in that area," said Alice Eads, student affairs coordinator. "It's a great place to notice the squirrels and enjoy the animals."\nMary Ann Miller, an academic adviser for the biology department, took the lead in E.T.'s care. A self-professed animal lover, the inside of Miller's office is adorned with numerous pictures of wildlife, while a birdfeeder is attached outside her office window, which she keeps stocked with ample amounts of seed. \nAttracted by the birdseed, squirrels are not an uncommon sight outside her window. However, the unusual appearance of E.T. caused Miller concern -- especially after someone remarked that the squirrel might be afflicted with mange, a disease that affects the skin of certain animals.\n"A lot of people have noticed her outside and commented on her appearance," Miller said. \nMiller said she called the Monroe County Humane Society about how to take care of the sick squirrel. She said the Humane Society recommended flea and tick powder that is used on kittens.\n"Hopefully, that will at least keep the fleas off and she'll stop itching as much and her hair can start to grow back," she said.\nTammie Wise, a co-worker of Miller's, also has been helping out with the squirrel's treatment. In the beginning, she said she was resistant to the idea of nursing the squirrel, but because of Miller's persistence and her own passion for animals, Wise soon became a part of E.T.'s medical team.\n"At first I thought we should let it alone, let nature take its course," Wise said. "But Mary Ann got us hooked on it, and I didn't want to see the poor little thing suffer."\nAlthough leery at first of its human helpers, the squirrel soon dropped its shyness when it saw that they were there in its best interest.\n"The first day, I put the food down and backed off, and she came up to it," Miller said. "I did that for maybe two or three days, but now I can go and sit out on the ledge out there, and I just have to call to her, and shake the seed in the bucket, and she just comes straight up for me to feed her."\nWith a history of rescuing animals in the past, coming to the aid of E.T. was second nature to Miller. Bringing animals back into good health gives her great pleasure, she said.\n"That's the thing about little animals, they're so trusting and they're thankful in their own way for what you do for them," Miller said. "I didn't want them to take her away and possibly put her to sleep. But I wanted to make sure we did some kind of treatment for her, so that if it were something catching, she wouldn't give it to the other squirrels, too. I'm just glad I could help her"