Squirrels are common animals, and while they generally avoid human contact, they are still wild rodents capable of biting if provoked or threatened. Though rare, bites typically occur under narrow circumstances, often involving a misunderstanding or a defense mechanism. Understanding the context of these encounters and the associated health risks is important for anyone living in areas where squirrels are present.
When and Why Squirrels Bite
Squirrels are not naturally aggressive and almost always choose to flee rather than confront a person. Bites usually occur when a squirrel feels trapped, is protecting its nest, or associates a human hand with food. A common trigger is hand-feeding, where the squirrel’s poor close-range vision can lead it to mistakenly bite a finger instead of the offered food.
A squirrel may also bite defensively if cornered in an enclosed space, such as an attic or chimney, perceiving a human as blocking its escape. Mother squirrels are highly protective and may lash out if a human approaches their nest too closely. Another element is that a sick or injured squirrel may exhibit erratic behavior, including biting, because it is disoriented or in pain.
Assessing the Risk of Rabies and Other Diseases
The primary concern following a wild animal bite is the risk of rabies, but squirrels are considered extremely low-risk vectors for the virus. There are no documented cases of a squirrel transmitting rabies to a human in the United States. The small body mass of a squirrel means a rabid animal would likely succumb to the disease before it could transmit it.
While rabies is highly unlikely, a squirrel bite carries a much higher risk of bacterial infection. The wound can introduce common bacteria from the animal’s mouth into the break in the skin. Puncture wounds from the incisors are particularly concerning because they can be deep, making them difficult to clean thoroughly and creating an environment where bacteria can multiply. The possibility of contracting tetanus is also present with any wound that breaks the skin and requires that an individual’s vaccination status be current.
Squirrels can also carry other pathogens, such as Salmonella, Leptospirosis, and Tularemia. Transmission usually occurs through contact with urine, feces, or an intermediate host like a tick, rather than directly through a bite. Consulting with local public health authorities is prudent to understand the prevalence of any diseases in the area.
Immediate Steps After a Squirrel Bite
If a bite occurs, the primary action is to thoroughly clean the wound to minimize the risk of bacterial infection. The affected area should be washed vigorously with soap and warm running water for at least five minutes. This flushing action helps remove any saliva or debris from the wound site.
After cleaning, the wound should be dried with a clean material and an antiseptic solution or antibiotic ointment applied. The injury should then be covered with a sterile bandage to keep it protected. Medical attention is necessary if the wound is a deep puncture, is bleeding excessively, or if there is uncertainty about the severity. A medical professional can assess the need for prophylactic antibiotics, a tetanus booster, and determine if further monitoring is required.
Preventing Encounters That Lead to Bites
The most effective way to avoid a squirrel bite is to modify human behavior and maintain distance from the animals. Never attempt to hand-feed squirrels, as this encourages them to approach people and increases the chance of a mistaken bite. Instead, avoid feeding them entirely, or scatter food on the ground if feeding is desired.
Outdoor food sources should be secured to prevent attracting squirrels to your immediate area. This includes using squirrel-proof bird feeders, ensuring garbage cans have tight-fitting lids, and keeping pet food bowls indoors. Maintaining a respectful distance from any wild animal, particularly those acting erratically or a mother defending its nest, is the best proactive measure.