Charges dropped against woman who nursed baby squirrels

HOWELL, N.J. — Charges against a New Jersey woman who nursed two abandoned baby squirrels back to health have been dropped on a technicality.

Maria Vaccarella of Howell had faced up to $500 in fines after she took in a pair of baby squirrels abandoned by their mother. Vaccarella used social media to document the rehab, which caught the attention of state Fish and Wildlife officials.

She was charged with illegally being in possession of wildlife in July.

NJ.com reported a judge dismissed the charges after finding that the summons she was issued didn't charge her with the correct offense.

Vaccarella said she had no idea what she was doing was against the law. She said she "would definitely save a life again."

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