Squirrel Glider - Nswfmpa.org

7 Handling and Transport7.1 Timing of Capture and HandlingIt is best not to handle squirrel gliders as it stresses the animals, and they can be difficult tohandle. (Pers. Com. Wendy Gleen.)Squirrel gliders are best transported while asleep in nest boxes. The entrance to the nest boxcan be covered and the whole nest box transported to the new location. (Pers com. WendyGleen).7.2 Catching BagsThe larger sized calico bank bags are used in the capture of squirrel gliders. These catchingbags are to be used inside out to prevent the animal from getting caught up in the stitching. Oncein the bag they can be easily weighed and transported.7.3 Capture and Restraint TechniquesGliders can be transported from one enclosure to another by blocking the entrance to the nestbox with a catching bag placing in the new enclosure. This method is used, as it is less stressfulon the animal.Squirrel gliders are best caught by first plugging the entrance to the nest box. Once theentrance is blocked place the nest box on the ground in a well-lit area. While carefully openingthe lid reach and place the catching bag over the glider. Once caught squirrel gliders can berestrained by grasping the head and shoulders with one hand and the feetOnce caught Squirrel gliders can berestrained by grasping the head andshoulders with one hand and the feet andtail with the other. The photo oppositeshows a Ringtail possum (Psuedocheirusperegrinus) being restrained. Squirrelgliders can be restrained in the same way.Photo by Steve Jackson in Jackson, S. Ed.2003). Care should be taken when handlingSquirrel gliders as they can bite and scratch.Leather gloves can be used though they canmake it difficult to grasp the glider securely(Butler, S).22