Is it safe to hold a baby squirrel?

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The answer is generally no, it is not safe to hold a baby squirrel due to potential health risks to both the human and the squirrel. While they may appear cute and cuddly, handling them can expose you to diseases and parasites, and can also negatively impact the squirrel’s chances of survival.

The Allure of the Baby Squirrel

Finding a seemingly helpless baby squirrel often evokes feelings of sympathy and a strong desire to help. Their small size, fluffy tails, and innocent eyes can be incredibly endearing. However, it’s crucial to approach the situation with caution and knowledge. Understanding the potential risks associated with handling wild animals, even baby squirrels, is paramount for both your safety and the squirrel’s well-being. Before acting on impulse, consider the potential consequences for both parties.

The Potential Dangers to Humans

The primary concern surrounding handling baby squirrels is the risk of disease transmission. Wild animals can carry a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be harmful to humans. Some potential dangers include:

Rabies: Although rare in squirrels, rabies is a fatal viral disease that can be transmitted through bites or scratches. While the incidence is low, the consequences are severe.
Tularemia: This bacterial infection can be contracted through handling infected animals or being bitten by ticks or fleas that have fed on infected animals. Symptoms can include fever, ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes.
Leptospirosis: A bacterial disease spread through the urine of infected animals. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe kidney damage.
Parasites: Squirrels can carry various parasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites, and ringworm, which can transmit diseases or cause skin irritation.
Bites and Scratches: Even baby squirrels have sharp teeth and claws. Bites and scratches can break the skin and introduce bacteria, leading to infection.

Handling a baby squirrel without proper protective gear, such as gloves, significantly increases your risk of exposure to these potential health hazards.

The Dangers to the Squirrel

Interacting with baby squirrels can be detrimental to their health and survival.

Abandonment: If a baby squirrel is touched by humans, the mother may reject it due to the foreign scent. This significantly reduces the squirrel’s chances of survival in the wild.
Dependency: Raising a baby squirrel in captivity can make it dependent on humans for food and shelter. When released back into the wild, it may lack the necessary skills to survive on its own, such as foraging for food and avoiding predators.
Improper Care: Providing the correct diet and environment for a baby squirrel is complex. Improper feeding or housing can lead to health problems and developmental issues.
Stress: Wild animals experience stress when handled by humans. This stress can weaken their immune system and make them more susceptible to disease.

Assessing the Situation: When Intervention is Necessary

While it’s generally best to leave baby squirrels alone, there are situations where intervention may be necessary. Consider the following factors:

Injury: If the squirrel is visibly injured, such as having a broken limb or open wound, it needs professional help.
Exposure: If the squirrel is found in a dangerous location, such as a busy road, or is severely dehydrated or cold, it may need assistance.
Orphaned: If the mother squirrel is known to be deceased or has not been seen near the nest for an extended period, the baby squirrel may be orphaned.
Predator Threat: If the squirrel is being actively threatened by a predator, intervention might be necessary to protect it.

If you determine that intervention is necessary, it’s crucial to contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. They have the knowledge, experience, and resources to provide proper care for the squirrel and maximize its chances of survival.

How to Safely Assist a Baby Squirrel

If you must handle a baby squirrel, follow these precautions:

Wear Gloves: Always wear thick gloves to protect yourself from bites, scratches, and disease transmission.
Minimize Contact: Handle the squirrel as little as possible. Avoid cuddling or prolonged physical contact.
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: After handling the squirrel, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, even if you were wearing gloves.
Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator: The ultimate goal should always be to get the squirrel into the care of a qualified professional.

The Role of Wildlife Rehabilitators

Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals who specialize in caring for injured, orphaned, or displaced wild animals. They have the necessary permits and expertise to provide the proper medical care, nutrition, and environment to help these animals recover and eventually be released back into the wild. They understand the specific needs of different species and can provide the best possible care. They also follow strict protocols to prevent the spread of disease and ensure the safety of both the animals and the humans involved.

Is it safe to hold a baby squirrel if I’m wearing gloves?

While gloves provide a barrier against direct contact, they don’t eliminate all risks. Gloves can be punctured by teeth or claws, and diseases can still be transmitted indirectly. Minimizing contact and washing hands thoroughly after wearing gloves are still crucial precautions, even if you’re wearing gloves.

What diseases can I get from a baby squirrel?

As mentioned earlier, potential diseases include rabies, tularemia, leptospirosis, and various parasitic infections. Always prioritize your safety and seek professional assistance if needed.

What should I do if a baby squirrel bites me?

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water immediately. Then, seek medical attention to assess the risk of infection and determine if further treatment, such as a tetanus booster, is necessary. Report the bite to your local animal control or health department.

How can I tell if a baby squirrel is orphaned?

Observing the squirrel for an extended period is key. If the mother is not seen returning to the nest or the squirrel for several hours, it’s likely orphaned. Other signs include the squirrel being cold, dehydrated, or visibly distressed.

What should I feed a baby squirrel if I find one?

Do not attempt to feed a baby squirrel. Providing the wrong food can cause serious health problems. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately for guidance.

How do I find a wildlife rehabilitator in my area?

You can search online for “wildlife rehabilitator near me” or contact your local animal shelter, humane society, or veterinarian for referrals. It’s crucial to find a licensed and experienced rehabilitator.

Is it legal to keep a baby squirrel as a pet?

In most jurisdictions, it is illegal to keep a wild animal, including a squirrel, as a pet. This is due to concerns about animal welfare, public safety, and the potential spread of disease.

What if the baby squirrel seems perfectly healthy and active?

Even if the squirrel appears healthy, it’s still best to avoid handling it and contact a wildlife rehabilitator. The squirrel may have underlying health issues that are not immediately apparent. The mother may also be nearby foraging for food.

How long can a baby squirrel survive without its mother?

The survival time depends on the squirrel’s age and environmental conditions. Very young squirrels may only survive for a few hours without their mother’s warmth and care. Older squirrels may survive for a day or two, but their chances of survival diminish rapidly without proper care.

What are the signs of a sick or injured baby squirrel?

Signs of illness or injury can include lethargy, difficulty breathing, open wounds, broken limbs, discharge from the eyes or nose, and an inability to stand or walk properly. If you observe any of these signs, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

**Is it safe to hold a baby squirrel only for a very short time to move it out of danger?**

While the intention is good, even brief handling poses some risk. If you absolutely must move the squirrel, wear thick gloves, minimize contact, and move it to a safe, sheltered location nearby (e.g., under a bush or in a tree) where the mother can find it. Then, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately to inform them of the situation and get further advice.

What if the baby squirrel is already being raised by someone as a pet? Should I report it?

If you know someone is illegally keeping a wild animal as a pet, it’s generally best to report it to your local animal control or wildlife agency. This helps ensure the animal’s welfare and protects the public from potential health and safety risks. While the person may have good intentions, raising a wild animal in captivity is often detrimental to its well-being.