Wild squirrels are common in urban and suburban environments and often appear harmless or even friendly, but any direct physical contact with this wildlife presents several serious public health risks. Squirrels are wild rodents that instinctively defend themselves when they feel threatened, and they harbor various pathogens and parasites. For your safety and the health of the animal, it is generally not advisable to touch or handle a wild squirrel.
Immediate Danger: Bites and Scratches
The most immediate danger from a squirrel is its natural defensive mechanism, which involves biting and scratching. A squirrel’s incisors are sharp and strong, capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds if the animal feels cornered or is being handled. These wounds are painful and quickly introduce bacteria from the squirrel’s mouth and claws into the human bloodstream.
The potential for a severe localized bacterial infection is high following any break in the skin. If you are bitten or scratched, thoroughly cleaning the wound immediately with soap and warm water is an important first step to flush out contaminants. Because the depth of a bite wound makes it difficult to clean completely, prompt medical consultation is necessary to assess the need for antibiotics or other medical intervention.
Understanding Zoonotic Disease Risks
Squirrels can transmit several zoonotic diseases, which are infections passed from animals to humans through direct contact with bodily fluids or contaminated environments. One such infection is Tularemia, caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis, which can be acquired by handling sick or dead animals or through a bite. Transmission can lead to symptoms such as fever, chills, and the formation of a slow-healing ulcer at the site of infection, accompanied by swollen lymph nodes.
Leptospirosis is another bacterial disease that squirrels can carry and shed through their urine. Human infection occurs when the bacteria come into contact with broken skin, mucous membranes, or when contaminated water or soil is ingested. This disease can produce flu-like symptoms and may lead to more severe complications affecting the kidneys or liver if left untreated.
The risk of contracting Rabies from a squirrel is extremely low, yet it warrants caution. Squirrels and other small rodents are generally considered low-risk vectors because they rarely survive an attack by a rabid animal long enough to transmit the virus. Any animal bite or scratch that breaks the skin should be reported to a healthcare professional who can determine the appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis based on local prevalence and the animal’s behavior.
The Threat of External Parasites
A different category of health risk comes from the external parasites that use the animal as a host. Squirrels commonly carry fleas, ticks, and mites, which can easily transfer to humans or pets that come into close contact with the animal or its nesting area. These parasites are vectors, meaning they can transmit pathogens that cause disease without the squirrel having to directly bite or scratch a person.
Ticks found on squirrels are capable of transmitting serious illnesses, most notably Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Fleas carried by squirrels can also pose a risk for transmitting diseases like Murine Typhus or, though rare in many areas, the bacteria responsible for Plague. These external parasites will readily abandon a sick host and seek a new blood meal from a nearby human or domestic animal. Avoidance of physical contact is a simple but effective preventative measure.
Safe Response When Interaction Is Necessary
While direct contact is highly discouraged, there are rare instances when a person may feel compelled to intervene, such as finding an injured or orphaned squirrel. In these situations, the primary objective is to maintain distance and ensure your safety before taking any action. You should never attempt to comfort, feed, or provide personal care to a wild animal, as this causes significant stress and increases your risk of exposure to disease or injury.
If intervention is required, such as moving an injured animal from a roadway, use thick protective barriers, like heavy leather gloves, a towel, or a box. The animal should be gently contained and placed in a warm, dark, and quiet carrier while minimizing handling and noise. The safest action is to immediately contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or local animal control agency for professional guidance and assistance.