Squirrels in your yard can die from all sorts of things—some you might not even think about. Disease, poisons, predators, falls, and cars can all play a part.
If you want to protect squirrels, knowing these common causes helps you spot trouble early and maybe do something to reduce the risks.
You’ll see how illnesses, parasites, backyard chemicals, pets, and traffic all factor in. I’ll share simple steps you can take to help, too.
Keep reading for practical tips on preventing squirrel deaths and what you should do if you find a sick or dead squirrel.
Common Causes of Squirrel Death
You might find dead squirrels for a lot of reasons. Most often, disease, poisons, predators, or accidents like falls and car strikes are to blame.
Disease and Squirrel Infections
Diseases can slowly wear a squirrel down until it just can’t go on. Viral infections like animal distemper virus and squirrel pox virus hit the skin, nervous system, or organs pretty hard.
Squirrel pox usually brings wart-like growths and nasty open sores, making it tough for them to eat or move.
Bacterial illnesses such as tularemia or infections from fleas and ticks (like Bartonella, which links to cat scratch disease) can cause fever, weakness, and organ problems. Parasites and mange will strip away fur and leave squirrels shivering, which is especially dangerous in winter.
Don’t touch a sick or dead squirrel. Instead, call your local wildlife authorities if you notice lots of sick animals.
Poisons and Toxins
Poisoning, often caused by people, kills plenty of squirrels. Anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) stop blood from clotting, so squirrels bleed internally and get weaker over time.
Cholecalciferol-based baits (vitamin D3) cause organ failure if squirrels eat too much. There are other chemicals, too—metaldehyde in slug bait and zinc phosphide can trigger seizures, kidney failure, or sudden collapse.
You might not catch symptoms right away. Watch for lethargy, bleeding, trembling, or odd behavior near bait stations.
If you use pest control, try non-toxic options and check labels to avoid harming wildlife. Don’t touch poisoned squirrels; call wildlife rehab or animal control for help.
Predation by Animals
Predators kill a lot of squirrels in a flash. Birds of prey—hawks, owls, falcons—swoop down and usually finish the job fast.
On the ground, foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and even house cats will chase or catch squirrels. Dogs sometimes injure or kill squirrels, too, whether they’re playing or hunting.
You’ll notice bite marks, missing parts, or a squirrel that vanishes right after an attack. Want to help? Keep cats indoors at dawn and dusk, and secure bird feeders so predators can’t ambush as easily.
Keep an eye out for predator activity in your yard, and don’t leave pet food outside—it can attract bigger hunters.
Trauma from Falls and Accidents
Squirrels sometimes fall from trees, roofs, or walls, and those falls can be deadly if they land wrong. Usually, they’re pretty good at landing, but a short fall onto pavement or a window hit can break bones or cause internal bleeding.
Cars are another big danger—squirrels dart across roads and don’t always make it. You might notice broken limbs, blood, or skull fractures at the scene.
To help, put decals on windows and slow down when driving near lots of trees. If you spot an injured squirrel that’s still alive, call a licensed wildlife rehabilitator instead of trying to handle it yourself.
Preventing Squirrel Deaths and What to Do
You can keep squirrels safer by removing hazards from the spaces they use. Get rid of poisons, secure your trash, and give squirrels safe spots to nest.
If you come across a dead animal, follow your local rules for handling or reporting it.
How to Prevent Squirrel Deaths
Keep rat bait, garden pesticides, and antifreeze locked up and away from wildlife. Store chemicals in closed containers.
Clean up spilled seed or pet food that could mix with poison. Trim branches so they’re at least 6–10 feet from power lines, and call your utility company if you see limbs touching wires.
At home, cover exposed wiring and use insulated fixtures in attics where squirrels might sneak in. Move bird feeders and food sources away from roads and driveways to lower road deaths.
Hang feeders higher in trees, and avoid feeding at dawn and dusk when traffic’s heavy. Leave dead trees standing only if they aren’t a safety hazard, or add a nest box at least 10 feet up and out of reach from predators.
Keep trash lids tight and close attic entry points with one-way doors so you don’t trap baby squirrels inside.
What to Do With a Dead Squirrel
If you find a dead squirrel on your property, don’t touch it directly. Wear gloves and use a shovel or sturdy bag to pick it up.
Check your local regulations—some places want you to bury it, others ask you to call animal control. If it’s allowed, double-bag the carcass and toss it in your regular trash.
If you notice odd lesions, hair loss, or several dead squirrels, report it to your county animal control or wildlife agency. Don’t move other animals near the body.
If your pet comes into contact with a squirrel carcass, clean your pet and call your vet to ask about vaccines or testing.
Squirrel Conservation Efforts
You can help local squirrels by planting native trees—think oaks, hickories, and serviceberry. These trees give squirrels natural food and make risky feeders less necessary.
Try volunteering with a nearby wildlife rehab center, or maybe donate supplies like heat packs, clean towels, or even a little money for medical care. Many of these groups also run education programs, which honestly need all the support they can get.
Get your community involved, too. Ask for safer utility-line trimming and push for rodent control methods that don’t poison other wildlife along the way.
Green-space planning matters, so encourage projects that keep habitat corridors intact. Squirrels really do need those safe paths through our neighborhoods.
