SOUTH PASADENA : Woman Wins Legal Battle to Keep Caring for Squirrels
A squirrel showdown that pitted a South Pasadena woman against state game wardens ended Tuesday as officials in Sacramento issued a permit that will allow her to continue caring for the bushy-tailed creatures at her home.
Criminal charges against Paula Drake will be dropped, said Jeff Weir, assistant deputy director of the Department of Fish and Game.
Drake will be allowed to keep up to 18 squirrels at her Kolle Avenue home; the permit can be modified if more sick or injured animals are sent to her, Weir said.
Over the past 12 years, Drake has treated about 500 squirrels. She has consulted on the treatment of another 4,000 animals, she said. Last week, she moved 18 injured squirrels to “safehouses” after officials threatened to confiscate them.
Drake, who has launched a “Squirrel Legal Defense Fund” to pay off a $2,500 legal bill caused by the fight, said she is relieved. “I won’t have to be quivering in my boots all the time,” she said.
Said Weir: “We hope Paula Drake and her squirrels live happily ever after.”
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