How to Handle a Squirrel: A Guide to Safe and Ethical Interaction
Learning how to hold a squirrel safely and ethically requires understanding squirrel behavior, prioritizing their well-being, and following specific handling techniques. Incorrect handling can harm the squirrel and result in injury to the handler.
Introduction: Understanding Squirrel Interactions
Squirrels, with their bushy tails and playful antics, often capture our attention. The desire to interact with these creatures is understandable, but it’s crucial to approach such encounters with respect and caution. Attempting to handle a squirrel, whether wild or rehabilitating, requires knowledge of proper techniques and an understanding of the potential risks involved. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how do you hold a squirrel? safely and ethically. It’s important to remember that handling squirrels should generally be avoided unless absolutely necessary, such as when rescuing an injured animal.
The Importance of Caution and Ethical Considerations
Before exploring the techniques of handling, it’s crucial to underscore the ethical considerations and potential dangers. Wild squirrels are naturally wary of humans and can bite or scratch if they feel threatened. These bites can transmit diseases, and scratches can cause infection. Furthermore, interfering with wild animals can disrupt their natural behaviors and social structures. Therefore, handling squirrels should only be undertaken when necessary for their welfare or when working with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
When is Handling a Squirrel Necessary?
There are limited situations where handling a squirrel might be necessary:
- Rescuing an Injured or Orphaned Squirrel: If you find a squirrel that is visibly injured (bleeding, limping) or an orphaned baby squirrel, handling it to provide temporary care or transport it to a wildlife rehabilitator is warranted.
- Relocating a Squirrel from a Hazardous Situation: If a squirrel is trapped in a dangerous location, such as inside a building or near a busy road, careful relocation might be necessary.
- Working with a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator: If you are assisting a licensed rehabilitator, you may need to handle squirrels for feeding, cleaning, or medical treatment.
Preparations Before Handling
Before attempting to handle a squirrel, gather the necessary supplies and take precautions to protect yourself and the animal:
- Protective Gear: Wear thick gloves (leather or welding gloves are ideal) to protect your hands from bites and scratches. Long sleeves and pants are also recommended.
- Containment: Have a secure container ready, such as a cardboard box with air holes or a pet carrier, to place the squirrel in after handling.
- Towel or Blanket: A soft towel or blanket can be used to gently wrap the squirrel, providing a sense of security and reducing the risk of scratching.
The Step-by-Step Guide: Safely Holding a Squirrel
Here’s a detailed process on how do you hold a squirrel?:
- Approach Calmly and Slowly: Avoid sudden movements or loud noises, which can scare the squirrel.
- Gently Cover with a Towel or Blanket: Approach the squirrel slowly and gently drape the towel or blanket over its body. This will help to restrain its movements and provide a sense of security.
- Secure the Body: With gloved hands, gently but firmly secure the squirrel’s body, avoiding excessive pressure. Focus on holding the torso, preventing it from biting or scratching easily.
- Support the Head and Legs: Ensure the head is supported to prevent injury. Keep the legs contained within the towel or blanket to minimize scratching.
- Transfer to Container: Carefully transfer the squirrel to the prepared container, keeping it wrapped in the towel or blanket.
- Minimize Handling Time: Limit the time spent handling the squirrel to reduce stress on the animal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several common mistakes can endanger both the handler and the squirrel:
- Using Bare Hands: Never attempt to handle a squirrel without protective gloves.
- Applying Excessive Pressure: Avoid squeezing or applying excessive pressure, which can injure the squirrel.
- Making Sudden Movements: Sudden movements can startle the squirrel and provoke a defensive reaction.
- Ignoring Signs of Stress: Pay attention to signs of stress, such as rapid breathing, trembling, or vocalizations, and adjust your approach accordingly.
- Treating Wild Squirrels Like Pets: Wild squirrels are not pets and should not be kept in captivity.
After Handling: What to Do Next
After handling, it’s crucial to take appropriate action:
- Seek Professional Help: If you have rescued an injured or orphaned squirrel, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
- Monitor the Squirrel: Observe the squirrel for any signs of distress or injury.
- Clean and Disinfect: Thoroughly clean and disinfect any surfaces or materials that came into contact with the squirrel.
- Wash Your Hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, even if you wore gloves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to pick up a baby squirrel?
While the instinct to help a baby squirrel is natural, it’s important to proceed with caution. Never handle the baby squirrel with bare hands. Wear thick gloves and use a towel to gently pick it up. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator immediately for guidance. They can assess the baby squirrel’s condition and provide appropriate care.
What should I do if a squirrel bites me?
If a squirrel bites you, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Apply an antiseptic and seek medical attention as soon as possible. Inform your doctor that you were bitten by a squirrel, as they may recommend a tetanus shot or rabies prophylaxis, depending on the circumstances and local health guidelines.
How can I tell if a baby squirrel is orphaned?
Signs that a baby squirrel may be orphaned include: being alone for an extended period, appearing weak or injured, being covered in insects, or being in an unsafe location (e.g., near a road). If you observe these signs, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
Is it legal to keep a squirrel as a pet?
In most places, it is illegal to keep a wild squirrel as a pet. Squirrels are wild animals and require specialized care that most people cannot provide. Additionally, keeping a wild animal as a pet can be harmful to the animal and pose risks to humans.
What diseases can squirrels carry?
Squirrels can carry various diseases, including rabies, tularemia, leptospirosis, and parasites such as fleas and ticks. While the risk of contracting rabies from a squirrel is low, it is still important to take precautions and seek medical attention if bitten or scratched.
How do I protect myself from diseases when handling a squirrel?
To protect yourself from diseases, always wear thick gloves when handling a squirrel. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling, even if you wore gloves. Avoid contact with the squirrel’s saliva, urine, and feces.
Can I feed a wild squirrel?
While it may seem harmless, feeding wild squirrels can disrupt their natural foraging behaviors and make them dependent on humans. It can also lead to overpopulation and increased risk of disease transmission. It’s best to avoid feeding wild squirrels.
What is the best way to transport an injured squirrel?
The best way to transport an injured squirrel is in a secure container, such as a cardboard box with air holes or a pet carrier, lined with a soft towel or blanket. Keep the container in a quiet, dark place and transport it to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
How do I find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near me?
You can find a licensed wildlife rehabilitator near you by searching online using terms like “wildlife rehabilitation [your city/state]” or by contacting your local animal control agency or humane society.
What are the signs of a stressed squirrel?
Signs of a stressed squirrel include: rapid breathing, trembling, vocalizations (e.g., chattering or squealing), flattened ears, and dilated pupils. If you observe these signs, reduce your handling time and ensure the squirrel has a safe and secure environment.
What if I find a squirrel nest that has fallen out of a tree?
If you find a squirrel nest that has fallen out of a tree, try to locate the mother squirrel. If the nest is still intact and the babies appear healthy, you can attempt to place the nest back in the tree, if it is safe to do so. Monitor the nest for a few hours to see if the mother returns. If the mother does not return or the babies appear injured or orphaned, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
How do you hold a squirrel if it’s trapped in my house?
If a squirrel is trapped in your house, open all doors and windows leading outside and allow the squirrel to find its own way out. You can also try to gently guide the squirrel towards an exit using a broom or towel. Avoid cornering the squirrel, as this can cause it to become aggressive. If you are unable to safely remove the squirrel yourself, contact animal control or a wildlife removal service.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how do you hold a squirrel?, emphasizing the importance of safety, ethical considerations, and seeking professional help when necessary. Remember, prioritizing the well-being of the squirrel is paramount.