You spot squirrels all the time, but their biggest threats lurk in places you might not consider. Getting hit by vehicles on roads stands out as the number one cause of death for squirrels. That fact definitely changes how you see their frantic dashes and risky street crossings.
Let’s dig into why roads are so dangerous for them. Predators, disease, and weather all play a part too. But you can actually help out with a few simple changes.
Number One Cause of Death for Squirrels
Let’s break down the main threats squirrels face. We’ll focus on vehicles, predators, and disease.
Vehicle Collisions and Road Mortality
Every year, cars and trucks kill a huge number of squirrels, especially around suburbs and country roads. Squirrels dash across streets to get food, find mates, or reach nesting trees.
They don’t really understand traffic, so fast vehicles and low visibility—especially at dawn or dusk—make accidents almost inevitable. You’ll notice risky spots: roads lined with tall trees, bird feeders near streets, or neighborhoods where nuts pile up in gutters.
You can make a difference by slowing down in green corridors and moving feeders away from the curb. Trimming low branches that hang over the street can help too.
Too many roadkills in one place can wipe out local squirrel populations. If you’re curious, here’s more on how vehicles top the list of squirrel killers: (https://foreveryard.com/what-is-the-number-one-killer-of-squirrels/).
Predation by Birds of Prey and Mammals
Predators get a lot of squirrels, especially the young or those not paying attention. Hawks, owls, and falcons perch in trees and watch for a chance to swoop down.
You might spot a Cooper’s hawk or red-tailed hawk hunting in parks or even your backyard. On the ground, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, weasels, and badgers all hunt squirrels too.
Even pets—dogs and outdoor cats—can kill squirrels. The kind of predator depends on the habitat. Hawks rule in open spaces, while foxes and coyotes prefer thick brush.
If you want to help, keep bird feeders in safe spots and don’t leave pet food outside. Cutting low branches and sealing up crawl spaces can remove hiding spots for predators and give squirrels safer paths.
Role of Disease and Parasitic Infections
Disease knocks squirrels down by making them weak or killing them outright. Squirrel pox and other viruses can cause nasty skin sores, weight loss, and lower their chances of survival.
Sometimes viruses like canine distemper spread to squirrels and take a toll too. Bacterial infections—like Bartonella—and parasites such as ticks, fleas, and worms can really drag squirrels down.
Toxoplasmosis sometimes changes animal behavior and might cause deaths where infected meat is around. Sick squirrels look tired, have messy fur, or move oddly.
If you see a sick squirrel, don’t touch it. Contact a local wildlife rehabber instead. Keeping your yard tidy, not leaving food out, and treating your pets for ticks can cut down on disease.
Human Impact and Prevention Strategies
You have the power to lower squirrel deaths with a few small changes. Think about removing poisons, protecting trees, and supporting local wildlife efforts.
Effect of Poisons and Habitat Destruction
Poisons, especially second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, hurt squirrels when they eat poisoned rodents or bait. If you need pest control, go for non-toxic traps or bait stations that keep wildlife out.
Leaving pet food or open compost can attract rodents and bring poison into the food chain. Habitat loss pushes squirrels onto roads and into yards where dangers multiply.
Try planting native trees and leaving brush piles for nests. Protect big oaks, maples, and walnuts—they give squirrels food and homes. If there’s new construction nearby, speak up for tree buffers and green corridors to keep their paths safe.
Squirrel Conservation and Reducing Risks
You can help by building safe habitat patches and cutting down road risks near feeding spots. Plant thick shrubs near tree trunks so squirrels can hide before crossing open ground.
Move bird feeders away from roads to keep squirrels off the street. Push for wildlife crossings on busy roads and slower speed limits in neighborhoods.
Local groups often run tree-planting events or squirrel counts—jump in if you can. If you manage a yard, skip the rodenticides and use traps or exclusion instead. These changes really do help keep squirrels safer.
Handling Dead Squirrels and Public Awareness
So, you’ve found a dead squirrel. First things first: don’t touch it with your bare hands. Grab some gloves or a shovel, then put the squirrel in a sealed bag.
Check your local guidelines next. Some places want you to report roadkill for monitoring. Others just ask you to double-bag and toss it in the trash, or maybe take it to a vet or pathology lab if you think it died of disease.
Share a few tips to help others out. Skip the rodent poisons, plant native trees, and keep your trash secure. Slow down when you’re driving through areas where wildlife might cross.
You might want to put up a sign near crossing spots or back local rules that cut down on toxic baits. Honestly, little things add up—if enough people pitch in, we can save a lot of neighborhood wildlife.
Links: learn more about road risks to squirrels at this article on vehicle collisions and squirrel mortality.
