Accurate identification of a baby squirrel’s sex is often necessary in rehabilitation settings for proper record-keeping and to inform future care strategies. Unlike many species that exhibit clear differences in size or color, male and female squirrels share a similar appearance, making external genital examination the only reliable method for sex determination. This process relies on visual comparison of the anogenital region, but it must be performed with care to avoid causing stress or injury to the delicate infant.
Safe Handling and Positioning for Examination
Before attempting any examination, the baby squirrel must be warm, calm, and secure to minimize stress. Prepare a clean, quiet workspace and always wear thin examination gloves for hygiene and to protect the infant from oils or bacteria on human skin. Gently cradle the squirrel on its back in the palm of your non-dominant hand, ensuring its head is slightly elevated and its body is fully supported.
The tail should be gently lifted towards the head to fully expose the area beneath the base of the tail, between the hind legs. This supine position allows for a clear view of the two openings. The examination should be quick and efficient, as excessive or rough handling can cause significant distress or injury. If the baby is actively struggling or vocalizing, pause the examination and attempt it later after the squirrel has settled.
Distinguishing Features of Male and Female Genitalia
The primary method for sexing a baby squirrel relies on measuring the anogenital distance, which is the space between the anus and the genital opening. This distance is significantly greater in males than in females. The male’s urethral opening, which will eventually house the penis, is positioned distinctly farther away from the anus, often appearing as a second, separate dot.
In a female baby squirrel, the vulva is located very close to the anus, resulting in a much shorter anogenital distance. The female’s openings appear almost directly beneath one another: the anus, followed immediately by the vulva, which may look like a small slit or second dot. For a male, the distance between the two openings may be roughly twice the distance seen in a comparably sized female.
Challenges When Sexing Neonates
Determining the sex of a very young squirrel, particularly a neonate under three weeks old, is difficult due to the underdeveloped nature of the features. In these infants, the small size of the body means that the absolute difference in anogenital distance between males and females is marginal. This tiny space can be challenging to measure or compare accurately without magnification.
Secondary sexual characteristics are not reliable indicators in neonates. Although adult females have eight teats, these mammary glands are not developed enough to be visible or prominent in infants. Similarly, scrotal swelling in males is an adult characteristic and is not a dependable feature for sexing an unweaned baby squirrel.