DOB: 8/05
FCZS: 2/27/06
Sex: Female
Weight: 1.8 lbs.

Nessie and her siblings were illegally smuggled into California from Tennessee. Unfortunately, Nessie was the only survivor. She was later confiscated and then raised by a volunteer from Gold Country Wildlife.

Groups of Eastern gray squirrels have been known to migrate long distances and have become common in states west of the Mississippi River. In the past, the river was the western boundary for the species. There are a few colonies of Eastern gray squirrels in this area of California, but they were brought by humans and are considered an invasive species.

Nessie is comfortable around her caretakers, but still has all of her very sharp teeth and nails, and on occasion uses them on people. She also likes to chew almost anything, which has necessitated the removal of rope, fabric hammocks, plastic toys etc.—none of which is part of a good squirrel diet. Nessie lives next to, but is kept separate from the other squirrels to avoid possible injuries.