What to do with a Dying Squirrel? Compassionate Guidance
If you find a squirrel exhibiting signs of distress, understanding your options is crucial; seek professional help immediately from a wildlife rehabilitator. Ultimately, the best course of action is to ensure the animal receives expert care or, if necessary, is humanely euthanized.
Squirrels, those ubiquitous residents of our parks and backyards, are generally a joy to observe. However, encountering a dying squirrel can be a distressing experience. Knowing what to do with a dying squirrel requires understanding the animal’s needs, recognizing signs of distress, and considering ethical and legal obligations. This article provides comprehensive guidance on this sensitive topic.
Identifying Distress in Squirrels
Recognizing the signs of a sick or injured squirrel is the first step in determining what to do with a dying squirrel. Unlike a healthy squirrel, which is alert and agile, a dying squirrel will often exhibit telltale signs of distress.
- Visible Injuries: Obvious wounds, broken limbs, or bleeding.
- Unusual Behavior: Disorientation, stumbling, or inability to stand.
- Respiratory Distress: Labored breathing, wheezing, or coughing.
- Lethargy: Unresponsiveness to stimuli, remaining still for extended periods.
- Emaciation: Noticeable thinness or bone protrusion.
- Seizures or Tremors: Uncontrolled muscle spasms.
- Parasite Infestation: Heavy tick or flea burden, indicating compromised health.
Immediate Actions: Prioritizing the Squirrel’s Well-being
Once you’ve determined that a squirrel is in distress, immediate action is crucial. However, prioritize your own safety first. Wild animals can bite or scratch, even when weakened.
- Observe from a Safe Distance: Assess the situation without approaching the squirrel directly.
- Contain the Animal (If Possible and Safe): If you feel comfortable, gently place a box or container over the squirrel. Use gloves and a towel or blanket to avoid direct contact. Ensure adequate ventilation.
- Contact a Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator: This is the most important step. These professionals have the expertise and resources to properly assess the squirrel’s condition and provide appropriate care.
- Keep Children and Pets Away: Prevent any further stress or injury to the squirrel.
Ethical Considerations: Humane Treatment and End-of-Life Decisions
The question of what to do with a dying squirrel raises important ethical considerations. As compassionate individuals, we have a moral obligation to alleviate suffering.
- Pain Management: If the squirrel is in pain, a wildlife rehabilitator can administer appropriate medication.
- Euthanasia: In cases of severe injury or illness where recovery is impossible, humane euthanasia may be the kindest option. This should only be performed by a qualified professional.
- Natural Death: Allowing a squirrel to die naturally may seem humane, but it can prolong suffering. Consulting with a rehabilitator is essential to weigh the pros and cons.
Legal Considerations: Understanding Wildlife Laws
Wildlife laws vary by region, so it’s essential to be aware of the regulations in your area. It is generally illegal to possess or rehabilitate wildlife without the proper permits.
- State and Local Regulations: Check with your local wildlife agency or animal control for specific rules.
- Protected Species: Some squirrel species may be protected, making intervention even more complex.
- Professional Assistance: Relying on a licensed wildlife rehabilitator ensures compliance with all applicable laws.
Why Seek Professional Help? The Importance of Expertise
Attempting to care for a dying squirrel yourself can be detrimental to the animal’s well-being and potentially dangerous to you. Wildlife rehabilitators possess the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to provide appropriate care. They have the training and experience to properly diagnose the squirrel’s condition, administer medication, and provide specialized care that increases its chances of survival.
The importance of consulting with a wildlife rehabilitator cannot be overstated when considering what to do with a dying squirrel. Their expertise ensures the best possible outcome for the animal, whether it involves treatment and rehabilitation or a humane end.
| Reason for Professional Help | Description |
|---|---|
| —————————– | ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— |
| Expertise in Diagnosis | Accurately identify the underlying cause of the squirrel’s distress, whether it’s injury, illness, or poisoning. |
| Proper Medication | Administer appropriate medications and treatments, avoiding potentially harmful substances. |
| Specialized Care | Provide the necessary environment, diet, and supportive care to maximize the squirrel’s chances of recovery. |
| Legal Compliance | Ensure all actions comply with applicable wildlife laws and regulations. |
| Humane Euthanasia | If necessary, perform humane euthanasia in a way that minimizes suffering. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When encountering a distressed squirrel, well-intentioned individuals can sometimes make mistakes that can harm the animal or themselves.
- Feeding Inappropriate Food: Avoid giving the squirrel milk, bread, or other foods that can be harmful.
- Direct Handling Without Protection: Always wear gloves to avoid bites and scratches.
- Attempting Self-Treatment: Without proper training, you could worsen the squirrel’s condition.
- Delaying Professional Help: Time is of the essence when dealing with a sick or injured animal.
- Releasing Prematurely: If you find a baby squirrel, do not attempt to care for it yourself. Contact a rehabilitator immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the first thing I should do if I find a dying squirrel?
The very first step is to assess the situation from a safe distance. Note any visible injuries or unusual behavior. Then, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator in your area. Do not approach or handle the squirrel without gloves.
Is it safe to touch a dying squirrel?
No, it’s generally not safe to touch a dying squirrel without protection. Even if the squirrel appears weak, it may still bite or scratch in self-defense. Always wear gloves and use a towel or blanket to handle the animal.
How can I find a wildlife rehabilitator near me?
The easiest way to find a wildlife rehabilitator is to search online using keywords like “wildlife rehabilitator [your city/state]”. You can also contact your local animal shelter, humane society, or wildlife agency for referrals.
What if I can’t find a wildlife rehabilitator right away?
If you can’t immediately reach a rehabilitator, carefully contain the squirrel in a box or carrier with ventilation. Keep it in a quiet, dark, and warm place until you can get professional help.
Can I give the squirrel food or water?
It’s generally not recommended to give a dying squirrel food or water unless specifically instructed by a wildlife rehabilitator. Inappropriate food can worsen the squirrel’s condition.
What if the squirrel is a baby?
Baby squirrels require specialized care. If you find a baby squirrel that appears orphaned or injured, contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. Do not attempt to feed or care for it yourself.
What if the squirrel dies before I can get help?
If the squirrel dies, contact your local animal control agency for guidance on disposal. Wear gloves when handling the deceased animal.
Is it legal to keep a squirrel as a pet?
In most jurisdictions, it is illegal to keep a wild squirrel as a pet without the proper permits. Even if it were legal, squirrels are wild animals with specific needs that are difficult to meet in a domestic setting.
What are some common diseases squirrels carry?
Squirrels can carry diseases such as rabies, tularemia, and leptospirosis. While the risk of transmission is low, it’s essential to take precautions and avoid direct contact.
Can a squirrel recover from its injuries?
The chances of recovery depend on the severity of the injury or illness. Some squirrels can recover with proper veterinary care and rehabilitation.
Should I euthanize a suffering squirrel myself?
No, you should never attempt to euthanize a squirrel yourself. Humane euthanasia should only be performed by a qualified veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator.
What is the average lifespan of a squirrel?
In the wild, squirrels typically live for 2-6 years. In captivity, with proper care, they may live longer.
By following these guidelines and seeking professional help, you can ensure that any distressed squirrel receives the best possible care, whether that involves treatment, rehabilitation, or a humane end. Remembering what to do with a dying squirrel emphasizes our responsibility to treat all creatures with compassion and respect.