Adult Squirrels

Emergency Procedures If You Found An Adult Injured Squirrel

The symptoms of head trauma are very similar to those of poisoning and the quicker the animal can be seen by a rehabber the better.

Some symptoms of head trauma: listing to the side - walking in circles - looking and acting dizzy - blood from nose or mouth.

Some symptoms of poisoning: listing to the side - walking in circles - looking and acting dizzy - blood from nose or mouth.

If the squirrel is hurt:

Handle with caution - squirrels have very long sharp teeth and strong jaws. While they are not at all aggressive by nature, injury places them in a defensive state and they may claw or bite to avoid capture.

Leather gloves offer some protection but a good bite will puncture leather gloves or at least bruise you.

Other trapping and capturing techniques - a box or a cage. Some small animal cages detach from the base and are useful for quickly placing over an injured animal - then a flat cookie sheet can be slid under the animal. Place soft cloths on the base of the cage and slip the cookie sheet out - landing the squirrel in the base.

Squirrels calm down in the dark so cover the cage with a cloth that will make it dark within.

• Handle the squirrel as little as possible.
• Keep the squirrel warm - human body temperature is a good guideline.
• Place the box or cage away from other animals and keep the area as quiet as possible.
• Contact A Rehabber!
  • https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/how-find-wildlife-rehabilitator
  • https://www.nwrawildlife.org/

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