What Does Mange Look Like on a Squirrel? 
If you’ve ever wondered what does mange look like on a furry squirrel, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are treatment options available for notoedric mange in squirrels. In addition, we’ll discuss the die-offs that are associated with this disease. As a result of notoedric mange, a squirrel can experience die-offs.
Symptoms of mange in squirrels
Squirrels have a wide range of habitats, and some have limited areas. Others range more than 100 acres. Mange in squirrels is caused by mites, which are transmitted through physical contact or sharing a nest. Symptoms of mange include bald patches, red bumps, and scaly skin. Although there is no cure for mange, a natural treatment called sod plugs may be effective. Sod plugs are a great way to help a squirrel with mange.
There are two main types of mange in squirrels: sarcoptic and notoedric. The former is the most common, and is characterized by thinning of hair and wrinkling of skin. Symptoms may also include foul-smelling crusts and scabs. In advanced cases, a squirrel may become emaciated. Squirrels and foxes with both types of mange should not be treated unless they have recently bitten another animal. While mange in squirrels is generally a temporary condition, the infection can result in death.
Treatment
Mange in squirrels is caused by mite infestation. Mites feed on the hair shaft, causing itching, skin irritation, and sores. Though mange does not cause any significant harm to healthy squirrels, it can cause the animal to be anemic and a prime prey for predators. Fortunately, there are several treatments available for mange. Here’s a list of a few.
Sarcoptic mange, or the most common type, causes the body to itch and develop thick, flaky skin. The symptoms are accompanied by foul-smelling crusts and scabs. In severe cases, the animal can even lose hair over the face, shoulders, or body. Other forms of mange, including demodectic mange, affect the entire body and cause thick and scaly skin.
In addition to a doctor’s visit, your pet should be kept out of the sun and away from cold environments. In addition to the symptoms listed above, you should also watch for any recurring ear infections. In addition to shedding, a squirrel may also carry the bacterium that causes Henson’s disease in humans. This bacterium is easily passed on through bites, cuts, and respiratory droplets.
Die-offs caused by notoedric mange in squirrels
The causes of die-offs in squirrels are still unclear, but the disease appears to be the primary cause of mortality during cold weather. The disease is not transmissible to humans, but it does show distinct signs of poor health in severely infested animals. It has been implicated in the decline of foxes in several states. Although notoedric mange is not transmissible to humans, it is important to keep the diseased animal well-washed and wearing rubber gloves when handling it.
Notoedric mange has been linked to large-scale declines and population recoveries in western gray squirrels. In Washington, the disease is attributed to poor nutrition, which may increase the transmission of diseases. Further, when food resources are scarce, the density of squirrels may increase, which may facilitate the spread of the disease. Thus, notoedric mange may act as a top-down population control in squirrels. Western gray squirrels are particularly susceptible, as they are native to western Washington State.
Lesions that appear on a squirrel with mange
There are two main types of mange in squirrels: demodectic and notoedric. Notoedric mange is a fungal infection that results in a balding, thickened skin and loss of hair. The disease is spread most commonly through direct animal to animal contact. Luckily, adult squirrels that develop mange often recover completely and do not require treatment. Notoedric mange, which is more severe than demodectic mange, is most often caused by reinfection from the nest. However, if the animal is not treated for mange, it is likely that it will re-infect its skin and cause an infection.
If the lesions on a squirrel with mange are severe, the animal may be suffering from malnutrition, incoordination, and even a fractured skull. The latter condition could result from a fall from a tree, incoordination, and/or weakness caused by mange. In severe cases, mange may lead to secondary bacterial infections and even septicemia. Fortunately, only one squirrel developed septicemia during the study, but the bacterial infections present in its liver and lung could indicate terminal septicemia.
What are the symptoms of mange in squirrels?
Mange in squirrels is characterized by bald patches intense itching and scabbing.
What is the cause of mange in squirrels?
Mange in squirrels is caused by a microscopic mite that burrows into the animal’s skin.
How does mange spread among squirrels?
Mange can spread quickly among squirrels since the mites that cause the condition are highly contagious.
The mites can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected animal or through contact with contaminated bedding or nesting material.
What is the treatment for mange in squirrels?
Mange in squirrels is treated with a medicated shampoo or a topical cream that kills the mites.
Can humans get mange from squirrels?
No humans cannot get mange from squirrels.
The mites that cause mange are specific to squirrels and other members of the rodent family and cannot survive on human skin.
How long does it take for mange to go away?
With treatment mange usually clears up within two to four weeks.
Can mange kill a squirrel?
Mange can kill a squirrel if it is left untreated.
The intense itching and scratching can cause the animal to damage its skin so severely that infection sets in and the squirrel can ultimately die from blood loss or dehydration.
How can I tell if a squirrel has mange?
In addition to bald patches intense itching and scabbing another symptom of mange in squirrels is reddened skin.
What do mites look like?
Mites are tiny eight-legged creatures that are barely visible to the naked eye.
Do all squirrels have mites?
No not all squirrels have mites.
Mange is a condition that only affects some squirrels.
How can I prevent my squirrel from getting mange?
Mange is a condition that is spread through direct contact with an infected animal or through contact with contaminated bedding or nesting material.
To prevent your squirrel from getting mange you should avoid contact with any squirrels that appear to be sick and you should clean and disinfect your squirrel’s cage and bedding regularly.
Can mange be cured?
With treatment mange can be cured.
The mites that cause mange can be killed with a medicated shampoo or a topical cream.
How long do mites live?
Mites can live for several weeks.
What do mites eat?
Mites feed on the blood of their host.
Do mites reproduce?
Mites reproduce by laying eggs.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
