How do you know if something is wrong with a squirrel?

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Determining if a squirrel is ill or injured requires careful observation; noticeable behavioral changes, physical abnormalities, and an inability to perform normal activities are strong indicators that something is wrong with a squirrel.

Understanding Squirrel Health and Behavior

Squirrels, often seen darting across our lawns and climbing trees, are generally resilient creatures. However, like all animals, they are susceptible to various health problems. Recognizing the signs of illness or injury is crucial, especially if you’re concerned about a squirrel in your yard. Understanding their typical behavior is the first step. A healthy squirrel is active, alert, and moves with agility. They forage for food, build nests, and exhibit normal social interactions. Deviations from this normal behavior should raise a red flag.

Behavioral Signs of Distress

One of the most telling signs that something is wrong with a squirrel is a significant change in its behavior. Healthy squirrels are cautious but generally active during daylight hours.

Lethargy or inactivity: A squirrel that appears sluggish, unresponsive, or sleeps excessively during the day could be sick.
Unusual tameness or aggression: While squirrels might become accustomed to humans in certain environments, extreme tameness or uncharacteristic aggression is often a sign of illness.
Disorientation or confusion: If a squirrel seems disoriented, stumbles, or circles aimlessly, it might have suffered a head injury or be suffering from a neurological condition.
Difficulty eating or drinking: Observe if the squirrel struggles to handle food or seems unable to swallow properly. This could indicate dental problems or a more serious underlying issue.
Seizures or tremors: These are serious neurological symptoms requiring immediate attention.

Physical Indicators of Illness or Injury

Beyond behavior, physical signs can provide clues to how do you know if something is wrong with a squirrel.

Visible injuries: Obvious wounds, such as cuts, scrapes, or broken limbs, are clear indicators of trauma.
Lumps or swelling: Abnormal growths or swellings on the body could signify tumors or abscesses.
Hair loss or skin lesions: These could be signs of mange, a parasitic skin disease common in squirrels.
Discharge from eyes, nose, or mouth: This can indicate a respiratory infection or other illness.
Malocclusion (overgrown teeth): Squirrel teeth grow continuously. If they don’t align properly, they can overgrow, causing difficulty eating. This condition may require intervention.
Visible parasites: Ticks, fleas, or mites can sometimes be seen on a squirrel’s fur. While a few parasites are normal, a heavy infestation can weaken the animal.

Environmental Considerations

The environment in which you observe the squirrel can also provide clues.

Presence of dead squirrels: If you find multiple dead squirrels in a short period, it could indicate a disease outbreak.
Unusual droppings: Diarrhea or blood in the droppings can be a sign of internal parasites or other health problems.
Exposure to toxins: Ingesting poison or other toxins can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, tremors, and seizures.

What To Do If You Suspect a Problem

If you observe any of these signs, it’s important to take appropriate action.

Observe from a distance: Don’t approach the squirrel directly, as this could stress it further or put you at risk of being bitten.
Contact a wildlife rehabilitator: Search online for licensed wildlife rehabilitators in your area. They have the expertise and resources to assess the squirrel’s condition and provide appropriate care.
Document your observations: Take notes or pictures of the squirrel’s behavior and physical condition to provide the rehabilitator with as much information as possible.
Do not attempt to treat the squirrel yourself: Unless you are a trained professional, attempting to treat a sick or injured squirrel can do more harm than good.
Keep pets away: Ensure your pets are kept away from the squirrel to prevent further injury or the spread of disease.

Preventing Squirrel Illness

While you can’t completely prevent squirrel illness, there are steps you can take to promote their health and well-being.

Provide a clean and safe environment: Remove potential hazards, such as exposed wires or sharp objects.
Offer a balanced diet: Avoid feeding squirrels excessive amounts of human food, as this can lead to obesity and nutritional deficiencies. Instead, offer natural foods like nuts, seeds, and fruits in moderation.
Control pests: Regularly check your property for signs of pests, such as rodents or insects, and take steps to control them if necessary.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Many myths and misconceptions surround squirrel health. For example, some people believe that a squirrel with mange is always aggressive, which is not always the case. Others assume that any squirrel approaching humans is friendly, which is dangerous. It’s important to rely on accurate information and avoid making assumptions based on anecdotal evidence.

Misconception	Reality
:——————————————–	:————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————–
A friendly squirrel is always healthy.	A seemingly friendly squirrel may be sick or injured and unable to properly assess threats.
Mange always makes a squirrel aggressive.	While mange can cause discomfort and irritability, not all squirrels with mange become aggressive.
Feeding squirrels is always beneficial.	Excessive feeding can lead to dependence on humans, nutritional imbalances, and increased risk of disease transmission.
Squirrels can’t transmit diseases to humans.	While the risk is low, squirrels can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, such as rabies or tularemia. It’s important to avoid direct contact with squirrels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you know if something is wrong with a squirrel? requires an understanding of normal squirrel behavior and the ability to recognize deviations from that norm.

What are the first signs of illness in a squirrel?

The first signs of illness in a squirrel often include lethargy, loss of appetite, and unusual behavior, such as appearing disoriented or unusually tame. These signs may be subtle at first, but they warrant closer observation.

Can squirrels get rabies?

Yes, squirrels can get rabies, but it’s extremely rare. Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, and it’s typically transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. A squirrel exhibiting signs of rabies, such as aggression or paralysis, should be reported to animal control immediately.

What causes mange in squirrels?

Mange in squirrels is caused by microscopic mites that burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, hair loss, and skin lesions. The mites are highly contagious and can spread through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated surfaces.

How can I help a squirrel with mange?

It’s best to contact a wildlife rehabilitator for assistance if you find a squirrel with mange. They can provide appropriate treatment, which may include medicated baths or injections to kill the mites. Do not attempt to treat the squirrel yourself, as this can be dangerous.

Is it safe to approach a squirrel that appears friendly?

It’s generally not safe to approach a squirrel, even if it appears friendly. Squirrels are wild animals, and they can bite or scratch if they feel threatened. Furthermore, approaching a squirrel can disrupt its natural behavior and make it dependent on humans.

What should I do if I find a baby squirrel that appears orphaned?

If you find a baby squirrel that appears orphaned, observe it from a distance for a few hours to see if its mother returns. If the mother doesn’t return or if the baby squirrel is injured or in distress, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

What are some common diseases that affect squirrels?

Some common diseases that affect squirrels include mange, rabies, tularemia, West Nile virus, and various parasitic infections. These diseases can cause a range of symptoms, including skin lesions, neurological problems, and death.

How can I prevent squirrels from getting sick in my yard?

You can help prevent squirrels from getting sick in your yard by providing a clean and safe environment, offering a balanced diet, and controlling pests. Avoid feeding squirrels excessive amounts of human food, as this can lead to nutritional deficiencies and obesity.

What does it mean when a squirrel is circling?

Circling behavior in a squirrel can indicate a neurological problem, such as a head injury or a brain infection. It can also be a sign of poisoning. If you observe a squirrel circling repeatedly, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

Can I give water to a squirrel that seems dehydrated?

If you suspect a squirrel is dehydrated, you can offer it a shallow dish of water. However, do not force the squirrel to drink, as this can cause aspiration. If the squirrel is unable to drink on its own, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.

Is it illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet?

In many jurisdictions, it is illegal to keep a squirrel as a pet. Squirrels are wild animals and require specialized care that most people are not equipped to provide. Furthermore, keeping a squirrel as a pet can pose risks to both the animal and humans.

By understanding these signs and taking appropriate action, you can help ensure the well-being of the squirrels in your community. Remember, how do you know if something is wrong with a squirrel? is about being observant and knowing when to seek professional help.