Flying squirrel attacked by magpie rescued from southwest Calgary

The Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation has taken in a young northern flying squirrel. (AIWC handout)

An animal rescue organization north of Calgary has taken in a young northern flying squirrel that officials say was rescued from a magpie attack in the city’s southwest.

The critter was taken to the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC) in the hamlet of Madden, where it was put in an incubator to stabilize its body temperature.

Officials with AIWC say the squirrel would not have survived without human intervention.

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“At just three and a half weeks old, the kit still has her eyes and ears closed,” said a Monday news release. “At this young age, flying squirrels are entirely dependent on their mother for warmth and milk, requiring AIWC staff to formula feed the kit every three hours.”

The baby squirrel will stay in the clinic’s care until she’s fully weaned and shows signs of independence, at which time she will be released back into he wild.

“Northern flying squirrels are a shy and nocturnal species that prefers old-growth forest habitat,” said a news release. “They feed primarily on fungi, which they help spread through the forest, enriching soil and supporting tree growth.”

For more information on AIWC, or to donate to the organization, you can visit the AIWC’s website.