What to Do If You Find a Squirrel with Mange: A Comprehensive Guide
If you encounter a squirrel exhibiting signs of mange, the best course of action is to observe from a safe distance, avoid direct contact, and contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal control for expert assessment and potential intervention. It’s crucial to remember that mange is a treatable condition, and seeking professional help offers the squirrel the best chance of recovery.
Understanding Mange in Squirrels
Mange, a skin disease caused by mites, is a distressing condition affecting squirrels worldwide. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and potential consequences is vital for knowing What do you do if you find a squirrel with mange?.
What is Mange and What Causes It?
Mange is a skin disease caused by microscopic mites, primarily Sarcoptes scabiei (the same mite that causes scabies in humans, though squirrel-specific varieties exist) and Notoedres douglasi in squirrels. These mites burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, inflammation, and hair loss. Transmission typically occurs through direct contact with infected animals or contaminated environments. Overcrowding and poor nutrition can weaken a squirrel’s immune system, making them more susceptible to mange.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Mange
Identifying mange early is essential. Key symptoms include:
- Hair loss: This often starts around the face, ears, and tail, gradually spreading across the body.
- Thickened, crusty skin: The affected areas may appear scaly and inflamed.
- Intense itching: Squirrels with mange will frequently scratch and groom themselves, often causing further skin damage.
- Lethargy: Severely affected squirrels may become weak, emaciated, and less active.
- Secondary infections: Open sores and wounds can become infected with bacteria, exacerbating the condition.
Why Action is Crucial
Left untreated, mange can be fatal to squirrels. The constant itching and skin damage can lead to hypothermia, dehydration, and secondary infections. Inability to forage effectively due to weakness and discomfort further contributes to their decline. Early intervention significantly increases the chances of recovery. Knowing What do you do if you find a squirrel with mange? is therefore incredibly important.
How to Respond: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a clear guide on What do you do if you find a squirrel with mange?:
- Observe from a distance: Avoid approaching or touching the squirrel. Maintain a safe distance to prevent potential mite transmission.
- Identify other possible causes: While mange is the most common reason for hair loss, other causes such as fungal infections, allergies, or nutritional deficiencies can be mistaken for mange.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator: This is the most important step. Wildlife rehabilitators are trained professionals equipped to diagnose and treat mange effectively. Search online for “wildlife rehabilitator near me” or contact your local animal control.
- Do not attempt to treat the squirrel yourself: Over-the-counter medications or homemade remedies can be harmful and ineffective. Wildlife rehabilitators use species-specific treatments and dosages.
- Report the sighting to animal control: Animal control can track mange outbreaks and take necessary precautions.
- Clean and disinfect bird feeders (if applicable): If the squirrel frequents your bird feeders, thoroughly clean and disinfect them to prevent further spread of the mites. Use a bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water).
- Maintain a safe distance from pets: Although the risk of transmission from squirrels to domestic animals is low, it’s best to err on the side of caution and prevent your pets from interacting with the affected squirrel.
- Monitor the situation: Keep an eye on the squirrel from a distance and report any changes in its condition to the wildlife rehabilitator.
Preventing the Spread of Mange
While you can’t completely eliminate the risk of mange, you can take steps to minimize its spread:
- Maintain a clean environment: Regularly clean and disinfect bird feeders and other areas where squirrels congregate.
- Provide a balanced diet: Ensure that squirrels have access to a variety of natural food sources. Avoid overfeeding them with unhealthy human food.
- Support wildlife organizations: Donate to local wildlife rehabilitation centers and organizations that are working to protect and care for squirrels.
Table: Dos and Don’ts When Encountering a Squirrel with Mange
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| :———————————————————————————————- | :———————————————————————————————— |
| Observe from a safe distance. | Approach or touch the squirrel. |
| Contact a wildlife rehabilitator or animal control. | Attempt to treat the squirrel yourself. |
| Clean and disinfect bird feeders and surrounding areas. | Ignore the situation or assume the squirrel will recover on its own. |
| Prevent pets from interacting with the squirrel. | Provide the squirrel with unhealthy human food. |
| Report the sighting to animal control. | Spread misinformation about mange or its treatment. |
| Support local wildlife organizations. | Put out traps to capture the affected squirrel, as this can cause it unnecessary additional stress. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can humans get mange from squirrels?
While Sarcoptes scabiei mites can cause temporary itching and irritation in humans, they typically do not establish a permanent infestation. Human scabies is usually caused by a human-specific strain of the mite. However, it’s still important to avoid direct contact with affected squirrels and wash your hands thoroughly if contact occurs.
Can my dog or cat catch mange from a squirrel?
Yes, dogs and cats can contract mange from squirrels, although it’s not the most common source of infection. Pets are more likely to contract mange from other dogs or cats. The mites can cause similar symptoms in pets, including itching, hair loss, and skin irritation. Contact your veterinarian for treatment if you suspect your pet has mange.
Is mange always fatal for squirrels?
No, mange is not always fatal if treated early. With proper treatment from a wildlife rehabilitator, many squirrels can make a full recovery. However, untreated mange can lead to severe complications and ultimately death.
What does treatment for mange in squirrels involve?
Treatment typically involves administering antiparasitic medication to kill the mites. The medication can be given orally, topically, or through injection, depending on the severity of the infestation. Wildlife rehabilitators may also provide supportive care, such as fluids and nutritional support.
How long does it take for a squirrel to recover from mange?
The recovery time varies depending on the severity of the infestation and the individual squirrel’s health. It can take several weeks to months for the hair to grow back and the skin to heal completely. Follow-up care and monitoring are crucial.
Can I leave food out for a squirrel with mange?
While your intentions may be good, leaving food out can attract other squirrels and potentially contribute to the spread of mange. If you choose to feed squirrels, do so responsibly and ensure that the feeding area is kept clean. It is better to contact your wildlife rehabilitator about options for supplemental feeding.
What if I can’t find a wildlife rehabilitator in my area?
If you’re unable to find a wildlife rehabilitator, contact your local animal control agency, humane society, or a veterinarian who specializes in wildlife. They may be able to provide advice or connect you with resources in your area.
Should I try to catch the squirrel myself?
No, you should not attempt to catch the squirrel yourself. This can be stressful for the animal and potentially dangerous for you. Leave trapping and handling to trained professionals who have the necessary equipment and expertise.
Is mange more common in urban or rural areas?
Mange can occur in both urban and rural areas, but it may be more prevalent in urban areas due to higher squirrel populations and increased contact between animals.
Are certain types of squirrels more susceptible to mange?
Generally speaking, any squirrel species can contract mange. However, factors like age, overall health, and immune system strength can influence an individual squirrel’s susceptibility. Young squirrels or those with compromised immune systems may be more vulnerable.
What are the long-term effects of mange on a squirrel’s health?
Even after successful treatment, squirrels may experience some long-term effects from mange, such as scarring or permanent hair loss in the affected areas. In severe cases, mange can also lead to chronic health problems due to the stress and damage it causes to the body.
What is the role of public awareness in addressing mange in squirrels?
Public awareness plays a crucial role in addressing mange. By educating people about the signs of mange and the importance of seeking professional help, we can ensure that more squirrels receive timely treatment and have a better chance of survival. Increased awareness can also lead to better prevention strategies and a greater commitment to protecting our local wildlife. By understanding What do you do if you find a squirrel with mange?, you can make a real difference.