
A squirrel is roaming Islamorada dart-free thanks to the work of several local community members.
More than a week ago, village resident Glenda Soler spotted the squirrel at her home, located behind Centennial Bank at MM 81, oceanside, with a metal dart through its body. She not only pleaded for answers as to the perpetrator, but she also initiated a rescue effort to retrieve and aid the furry animal.
On Aug. 10, the darted squirrel was successfully captured with help from sheriff’s deputy Nelson Sanchez and Brad Bryan, of Maritime Mobile Welding. The squirrel, a female, was transported to Mobile Pet Doctors and veterinarian Michael Claudio and vet tech Tanya Manchester. A procedure to remove the blow dart was successful.
“Dr. Claudio and his vet tech Tanya did an amazing surgery on this little female squirrel,” Soler said. “It was great to see people come together.”
The squirrel was released and ran up a papaya tree on Aug. 11. The following day, Soler said she saw the squirrel moving well and eating.
“She’s really doing well. It’s so beautiful to see her without the blow dart,” she said.
With the squirrel successfully treated, Soler said she’ll now be pushing for even stronger laws on using blow darts in populated residential areas like her neighborhood. State law currently prohibits blow darts from being used on animals.

“What if it goes on to hit someone or a child?” she said.
Anyone with information on who shot the squirrel can call the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 or the sheriff’s office at 305-853-3211.