Catching a squirrel can be surprising and a bit stressful. What you do next is crucial for both your safety and the squirrel’s well-being. Whether you’ve trapped a squirrel in your attic or found one in your yard, knowing how to handle the situation is important.
After catching a squirrel, it’s vital to avoid handling it directly. Squirrels can carry diseases and might bite if they feel threatened. It’s best to consult with a professional who can safely remove and relocate the animal. This ensures that both you and the squirrel stay safe during the process.
In some areas, releasing squirrels may have specific regulations. It’s essential to understand these rules and consider the impact of relocating a squirrel, especially if it has a nest nearby. By learning more about what to do after you catch a squirrel, you can manage the situation responsibly while ensuring the animal’s safety.
Understanding Squirrel Behavior
Squirrels are fascinating creatures with unique habits and characteristics. Knowing more about their natural habitat, diet, and potential diseases can help you better understand them and their interactions with humans.
Natural Habitat and Diet
Squirrels thrive in various environments, including forests, parks, and urban areas. They often build nests, called dreys, in trees. These nests provide shelter and safety.
Their diet mainly consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetation. They are known to have a special fondness for acorns and will cache these food items for later. This behavior helps ensure they have enough food during colder months.
When squirrels have access to food, you’ll notice their energy levels increase. They can often be seen darting around, burying nuts, and foraging. Their role in nature is crucial, as they help with seed dispersal, promoting plant growth.
Common Diseases in Wild Squirrels
Squirrels, like any wild animals, can carry diseases. One common disease is squirrel pox, caused by the Lepripox virus. This illness can lead to skin tumors and is often harmful to squirrels.
Another concern is canine distemper, which can affect squirrels but is more common in dogs. Infection can lead to severe health issues and, in some cases, be fatal. It’s important to keep your pets away from wild squirrels to avoid potential transmission of diseases.
Wild squirrels may also be at risk from rodenticides used in urban areas. These poisons can accumulate in their bodies, leading to illness or death.
Risks of Squirrel-Human Interaction
Catching or interacting with a squirrel can pose certain risks. While they may seem friendly, squirrels can bite if they feel threatened. Their sharp teeth can transmit diseases, making it important to handle them with care and caution.
Additionally, feeding squirrels can lead to problems. They may become dependent on humans for food, disrupting their normal foraging behavior. Over time, this can lead to health issues for the squirrel.
It’s essential to respect wild animals and observe them from a distance. This helps maintain the balance in nature and encourages healthy interactions between humans and wildlife.
Handling a Squirrel Encounter
When you catch a squirrel, it’s important to act carefully and responsibly. Knowing what to do next can help protect both you and the animal. This section covers the immediate steps to take, safety concerns over bites or scratches, and why you might need to call in professionals.
Immediate Steps Post-Capture
After catching a squirrel, minimize your contact to reduce stress for the animal and prevent potential bites. Wear heavy gloves to protect your hands. Squirrels can be frightened and might try to escape, so keep your trap covered with a cloth for security.
Once secured, release the squirrel in a safe area far from homes or busy roads. A dense forest or a park can be ideal locations. If you captured a mother squirrel, there may be babies to consider. Contact a wildlife rehabilitation expert for help with the young ones, as they require special care.
Squirrel Bites and Scratches
If a squirrel bites or scratches you, it’s essential to clean the wound immediately. Wash it with soap and water for at least 15 minutes to prevent infection. Apply an antiseptic and cover it with a sterile bandage.
Be aware of diseases transmitted through bites or scratches. Squirrels can carry rabies, though it’s rare. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, or pus. If you experience symptoms like fatigue, fever, or unexpected weight loss, seek medical attention. Vaccinations may be recommended if rabies exposure is suspected.
Professional Wildlife Removal and Rehabilitation
If you’re unsure about how to handle a captured squirrel or you see signs of illness, like diarrhea or vomiting, it’s smart to reach out for help. Professional wildlife removal services have the expertise to handle squirrels safely.
They can assess the health of the squirrel for illnesses like squirrel pox or leptospirosis. If necessary, they may provide veterinary care or administer antibiotics if an infection develops. This ensures that both you and the squirrel remain safe and healthy. Always prioritize humane treatment in these situations.
