What Does Mange Look Like on a Squirrel? 
If you’re wondering, “What does mange look like on a squirrel?” then you’ve come to the right place. Mange is a fungal infection that causes the fur of infected squirrels to break off at the skin. A healthy squirrel will heal and keep its fur intact, but you shouldn’t feed your squirrel to stop it from catching mange. This will only spread the infection.
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Symptoms
If you notice the hair on your squirrel is falling out, thinning, or itchy, it might have mange. This condition affects a variety of species, including foxes and squirrels. The signs of this condition include hair loss and thinning, thickened skin. In addition, the skin may become scaly or develop foul-smelling crusts. In severe cases, the animal can become deformed or emaciated. Fortunately, if you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to consult with a professional veterinarian.
A vet may use a microscope to identify the mites, which can be identified from a scraping of skin. If there are many mites, multiple scrapings are needed. The mites can be present in different locations on the animal, so you’ll need to collect several scrapings to determine the severity of the problem. In some cases, the disease can be fatal, so it’s vital to get the proper diagnosis early. Luckily, there are a few methods for treating mange in wildlife. One of these methods is to administer oral medications. Although this method is not recommended for free-ranging animals, it is effective in curing mange.
If you notice that your squirrel has lost hair and its fur, it may have mange. Mites cause this condition by burrowing under the skin. The hair falls out and leaves a fine stubble of short hairs. A severe infestation of this disease can be fatal, and an infected animal may not survive the cold winter. However, you should not panic, as most animals recover completely. This condition is caused by microscopic mites.
Treatment
When an animal becomes infected with mange, the fur of the affected area begins to fall out. In some cases, the entire body may be completely devoid of hair. It may even die because its insulating coat will no longer cover it. Thankfully, most squirrels are semi-tame and can be handled and fed by humans. However, if you are worried that your squirrel has mange, there are several ways to treat it.
The first step in treating a squirrel for mange is to find the mites. Mites can be identified by looking at a scraping of the affected animal’s skin under a microscope. The distribution of hair loss and the number of mites can help the veterinarian identify the culprit. Medications that kill off the mites can be administered to treat the condition, though these drugs are rarely given to wild animals. Treatment is a two-step process, requiring repeated treatments several weeks apart.
Symptoms vary by severity. Severely infected animals will be thin and lethargic, and may not consume enough food to fight off the disease. In addition to hair loss, the affected animal may have crusts around its ears or thickened skin. If the condition is left untreated, the animal may die due to lack of nutrients and body condition. For this reason, treatment is essential. If your squirrel suffers from mange, you should immediately start treatment with a prescribed medication.
Prevention
The good news is that prevention of mange on squirrels is quite easy. The disease itself is caused by an itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei. It burrows under the skin and feeds on blood. The female mite lays her eggs on the affected animal, which hatches into adult mites that cause intense itching and hair loss. In most cases, the disease is curable, but it is always important to ensure that you handle the animal carefully and thoroughly.
The symptoms of mange on squirrels are not as bad as the condition itself, however. These mites are harmful to squirrels and may result in loss of fur and crusty skin. Additionally, well-fed squirrels may take over a nesting area and enter a structure. Hand-feeding squirrels can also make them lose their natural fear of humans and turn aggressive when not receiving food. So, it’s important to take precautions to prevent mange and other infestations.
You can protect your property against mange by securing roof vents, chimneys, gutters, and windows with metal flashing. Besides covering these areas with metal flashing, you can also apply commercial repellent to the affected area. Make sure to cover it in a 12-inch radius. If the damage is extensive, you can try repellents. The repellents must be applied in a 12-inch area around the area where the damage occurred.
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.
