Squirrel Foster Mom

Photo: Karen T. Borchers / Mercury News

Mary Nacey, of San Carlos Peninsula Humane Society, is the "squirrel whisperer." Nancey is the one the shelter's Wildlife Care Center entrusts with its most fragile rescues: baby squirrels. She gives them the mothering they need to survive and then knows when to pull away so they can be the wild creatures they were meant to be. "Unfortunately, orphaned, sick and injured wild animals don't always make it," said Scott Delucchi, spokesman for the humane society. "Mary's very caring and is good about giving the animals TLC, but she is also good about setting boundaries and understanding when and how to let go."