Injured squirrel chases kids

An injured squirrel had to be wrangled by the Elmbrook Humane Society after it chased after children playing in the village of Elm Grove on Sept. 4.

A man in the 1000 block of Woodland Avenue reported to Elm Grove police just after 6 p.m. Sept. 4 that a sick squirrel appeared to chase after children there before seeking refuge a few feet up in a tree.

The Elmbrook Humane Society was called to the scene and found that the distressed squirrel was actually injured, likely from being struck by a car.

"Sometimes if an animal is injured and feels threatened it tries to protect itself when someone comes near it," said Karen Sparapani, executive director of the Elmbrook Humane Society.

Humane society staff caught the injured squirrel in a net and took it back to the shelter.

"Sadly, it did not make it," Sparapani said. "Once we had it in captivity, it became clear from its injuries that it was not going to make it."

The humane society does not have rescue capabilities at the shelter but contracts with Wildlife in Need when necessary.