Can a Human Touch a Baby Squirrel? Exploring the Risks and Realities
Touching a baby squirrel is generally safe for humans, but it’s important to understand the potential risks to both the human and the squirrel. While the myth that a mother squirrel will abandon her young if touched by a human is largely untrue, handling baby squirrels should be done with caution and only when necessary.
Introduction: Squirrels and Human Interaction
Squirrels, with their bushy tails and playful antics, are a common sight in many urban and suburban environments. Encounters with these creatures are frequent, and the temptation to interact with them, especially when they are young and vulnerable, can be strong. However, understanding the appropriate way to interact with wildlife is crucial for their safety and your own. The question of can a human touch a baby squirrel? is a complex one that requires consideration of various factors.
Dispelling the Myth: Maternal Abandonment
One of the most prevalent concerns surrounding handling baby squirrels is the fear that the mother will abandon the young if they smell human scent. This is a common myth that, while partially rooted in truth about some species, is generally untrue for squirrels. Mother squirrels are remarkably dedicated to their young and are unlikely to abandon them solely due to human scent. However, excessive handling or prolonged disturbance can stress the mother, potentially leading to neglect.
When Intervention Is Necessary
There are circumstances where human intervention may be necessary to help a baby squirrel. These situations often involve finding an injured, orphaned, or clearly distressed animal. Identifying these situations correctly is crucial.
- Signs of Distress: Obvious injuries, being cold to the touch, persistent crying, dehydration, or being covered in parasites are all signs that a baby squirrel needs help.
- Orphaned Squirrels: If the mother squirrel is deceased (confirmed), or if the baby squirrel has been alone for an extended period (several hours) without the mother returning, it is likely orphaned.
- Unsafe Locations: If a baby squirrel is in a dangerous location, such as a busy road or exposed to extreme weather, intervention is necessary.
The Potential Risks: Health and Safety
While a brief touch may not be harmful, prolonged handling of a baby squirrel poses risks to both the animal and the human.
- Disease Transmission: Squirrels can carry diseases, such as rabies (though rare), tularemia, and leptospirosis, that can be transmitted to humans. Bites and scratches are the primary modes of transmission.
- Parasites: Squirrels can also harbor parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, which can infest humans.
- Stress to the Squirrel: Handling a baby squirrel can cause significant stress, weakening its immune system and making it more vulnerable to illness.
- Dependence on Humans: Repeatedly feeding or handling wild animals can cause them to become dependent on humans and less able to survive in the wild.
Safe Handling Practices: Minimizing Risk
If you must handle a baby squirrel, take these precautions:
- Wear Gloves: Always wear thick gloves to protect yourself from bites, scratches, and disease transmission.
- Wash Hands Thoroughly: After handling a squirrel, even with gloves, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Minimize Handling Time: Keep handling time to a minimum to reduce stress on the squirrel.
- Avoid Direct Contact with Saliva: Avoid direct contact with the squirrel’s saliva.
- Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator: The best course of action is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance and assistance. They have the expertise and resources to properly care for the squirrel and ensure its safe return to the wild.
Alternatives to Direct Contact
Before touching a baby squirrel, consider these alternatives:
- Observation: Observe the squirrel from a distance to see if the mother returns.
- Relocation: If the squirrel is in immediate danger but appears healthy, gently relocate it to a safer location nearby, such as under a bush or in a tree.
- Create a Temporary Nest: Place the baby squirrel in a small box lined with soft cloth or paper towels. Keep the box warm (but not too hot) and place it near where you found the squirrel. This provides a safe and warm place for the mother to find it.
The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitators
Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who specialize in the care and rehabilitation of injured, orphaned, or distressed wild animals. They have the knowledge, skills, and resources to provide the necessary medical care, nutrition, and socialization to ensure the animal’s successful return to the wild. When deciding if can a human touch a baby squirrel?, consider a wildlife rehabber’s opinion. Contacting a wildlife rehabilitator is always the best course of action when you find a baby squirrel in need.
Summary
It is important to remember that while the fear of abandonment is largely unfounded, can a human touch a baby squirrel? is a multifaceted issue encompassing health, safety, and the well-being of the animal. Prioritize professional help and minimal interference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it true that mother squirrels will abandon their babies if humans touch them?
No, this is largely a myth. Mother squirrels are typically very dedicated to their young and will not abandon them simply because they smell human scent. However, excessive handling or prolonged disturbance can stress the mother and potentially lead to neglect.
What should I do if I find a baby squirrel on the ground?
First, observe the squirrel from a distance to see if the mother returns. If the squirrel appears injured or has been alone for an extended period, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance. You can also gently relocate the squirrel to a safer location nearby, such as under a bush or in a tree.
How can I tell if a baby squirrel needs help?
Signs that a baby squirrel needs help include obvious injuries, being cold to the touch, persistent crying, dehydration, or being covered in parasites. Also, if the mother squirrel is deceased or has not returned for an extended period (several hours), the baby squirrel likely needs assistance.
What diseases can I get from touching a squirrel?
Squirrels can carry diseases, such as rabies (though rare), tularemia, and leptospirosis, that can be transmitted to humans through bites, scratches, or contact with their saliva. It’s essential to wear gloves when handling squirrels and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Can I raise a baby squirrel as a pet?
In most jurisdictions, it is illegal to keep wild animals, including squirrels, as pets. Furthermore, raising a baby squirrel requires specialized knowledge and care, and it is difficult to provide the necessary environment and nutrition for it to thrive. The best course of action is always to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can properly care for the squirrel and prepare it for release back into the wild.
Is it safe to feed squirrels?
While it may seem harmless, feeding squirrels can be detrimental to their health and the ecosystem. Human food is often unhealthy for squirrels and can lead to obesity and nutritional deficiencies. It can also cause them to become dependent on humans and less able to forage for food on their own. It’s best to avoid feeding squirrels altogether.
How do I find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator?
You can find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator by searching online for wildlife rehabilitation organizations in your area or by contacting your local animal control agency or humane society.
What should I do if a squirrel bites me?
If you are bitten by a squirrel, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately. Report the bite to your local animal control agency or health department.
How can I protect my property from squirrels?
You can protect your property from squirrels by sealing any holes or entry points in your home, trimming tree branches that overhang your roof, and using squirrel-proof bird feeders.
Are squirrels dangerous to humans?
Squirrels are generally not aggressive towards humans unless they feel threatened or are trying to protect their young. However, they can bite or scratch if they feel cornered, so it’s best to avoid approaching or handling them.
If I touch a baby squirrel, can I put it back in its nest?
Yes, if you find a baby squirrel that appears healthy and unharmed, you can gently place it back in its nest. The mother will likely return to care for it.
What is the best way to help a baby squirrel?
The best way to help a baby squirrel is to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the expertise and resources to properly care for the squirrel and ensure its safe return to the wild. When considering can a human touch a baby squirrel?, remember professional help is optimal.