What To Do If You Get Bit By A Squirrel 
What To Do If You Get Bitten By A Squirrel? If you’ve ever been bitten by a squirrel, you know that it can be painful, but it’s also treatable and preventable. Here are some quick tips to deal with a squirrel bite:
Less likely to contract rabies
If you’ve ever gotten bitten by a squirrel, you might not know that it’s a risk factor for rabies. This is because rabies is transmitted through the saliva of a rabid animal. Although there are cases where a squirrel can bite a person, it is highly unlikely for them to carry the disease. Moreover, the disease can be prevented by a vaccination that prevents the development of rabies.
While rabies is transmitted through bites, the rabies virus can be transmitted through saliva and contact with a common carrier. A rabies-carrying animal will avoid the squirrel and leave the area. In addition, a squirrel’s high degree of vision means that it would easily kill another animal carrying the virus. Vaccination reduces the risk of rabies transmission from animal to human. However, a squirrel can still contract rabies if it fights with other rabid animals.
Treatable
A bite from a squirrel is usually harmless but can be dangerous if you’re not treated quickly. The bite needs to be cleaned thoroughly to prevent infection. A doctor may prescribe antibiotic ointment or other treatment for your bite. Depending on your age and health, it may also require surgery. The best way to get treatment for a squirrel bite is to visit a doctor immediately. There are no vaccines for squirrels, so you’ll have to rely on observation.
A Colorado squirrel has tested positive for bubonic plague, a bacterial infection caused by Yersinia pestis. The disease, sometimes referred to as the “Black Death,” killed 50 million people in the 14th century. The bacteria that causes bubonic plague is carried by rodents and fleas. If caught early, bubonic plague is treatable in humans. The bacteria can also infect household pets, such as rabbits and woodchucks.
Easy to prevent
If you live in an area where squirrels live, you should be aware of the risks of getting bitten by one. Squirrels have sharp teeth and will attack if they see people approaching. If you are unsure of whether you are about to get bitten, do not approach the squirrel until it calms down. Avoid picking up the squirrel or chasing it. If possible, make sure you do not disturb the squirrel’s habitat and surroundings by removing the source of the bite.
Though a squirrel bite is not dangerous most of the time, it is better to stay away from the area where the bite occurred. Squirrels do not have good vision and can easily bite your fingers. Moreover, feeding them may cause the squirrel to bite your hand. Therefore, avoid approaching the animal and do not try to feed it. If you do get bitten, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and apply rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to the wound. Taking the animal to a hospital or to see a physician is highly recommended if you feel injured.
Symptoms of bites
A squirrel can bite a human, even if he doesn’t intend to. A squirrel’s teeth are constantly growing, which means they can rip through a variety of materials and draw blood from a wound. Fortunately, most squirrels are not aggressive, but they do have the tendency to bite as a defensive mechanism. They are rarely infected with rabies, but a roundworm brain parasite can cause similar symptoms. If you suspect a squirrel bite, contact a medical practitioner immediately.
Although squirrels do not carry the rabies virus, they can transmit various infections. The symptoms of rabies usually don’t appear until days after the bite, so a good way to tell if you’ve been bitten by a squirrel is to pay attention to the animal’s behavior. The signs of rabies include migraines, rashes, muscle weakness, fever, and vomiting. Although the odds are low, if you see any of these signs, it’s best to visit a medical professional.
Treatment
Though it is unlikely that a squirrel will attack you, it can bite if it feels threatened or scared. Always give squirrels room to escape by providing them with a way to get away. Never pick up a squirrel; this will only make them feel even more threatened and will risk the animal biting you. If you do get bitten, wash the wound thoroughly with water and disinfect it with hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol. If you notice any signs of infection or discomfort, call a doctor for advice.
First, if you or your dog has been bitten by a squirrel, you should take them to the veterinarian. Depending on the severity of the bite, your vet will determine what type of treatment is needed. Washing the wound thoroughly is the first step in treatment. If the wound is deep, it may need to be surgically flushed or debrided and stitched. If the wound is very deep, it may require sedation or general anesthesia.
How do you know if you have been bitten by a squirrel?
If you have been bitten by a squirrel you will usually know it because it will be very painful.
The bite will also break the skin and will often bleed.
What should you do if you think you have been bitten by a squirrel?
If you think you have been bitten by a squirrel it is important to seek medical attention right away.
If the bite is not treated it could become infected.
How can you tell if a squirrel has rabies?
If a squirrel has rabies it may act strangely.
It may be aggressive or it may be very tame.
It may also have difficulty moving.
What should you do if you see a squirrel that you think has rabies?
If you see a squirrel that you think has rabies you should avoid it and call animal control.
What should you do if you are bitten by a squirrel that you think has rabies?
If you are bitten by a squirrel that you think has rabies you should wash the wound with soap and water and then seek medical attention immediately.
How long does it take for rabies to show up in a squirrel?
Rabies can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to show up in a squirrel.
Is there a cure for rabies?
There is no cure for rabies but it is possible to prevent it with a vaccine.
How long does the rabies vaccine last?
The rabies vaccine usually lasts for 3 to 5 years.
What should you do if you are exposed to rabies?
If you are exposed to rabies you should seek medical attention immediately.
You may need to receive a series of vaccinations to prevent the disease.
How long does it take for rabies to show up in humans?
Rabies can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to show up in humans.
How is rabies transmitted from squirrels to humans?
Rabies is transmitted from squirrels to humans through bites or scratches.
The virus can also enter through mucous membranes such as the eyes nose or mouth.
How can you prevent rabies?
You can prevent rabies by avoiding contact with wild animals especially squirrels.
If you are bitten or scratched by an animal you should wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention immediately.
What are the symptoms of rabies in humans?
The symptoms of rabies in humans include fever headache muscle pain and weakness.
These symptoms may last for a few days before progressing to more serious symptoms such as hallucinations paralysis and death.
How is rabies treated in humans?
There is no cure for rabies but it is possible to prevent it with a vaccine.
If you have been exposed to rabies you should seek medical attention immediately.
You may need to receive a series of vaccinations to prevent the disease.
Can you get rabies from a squirrel that doesn’t have rabies?
No you cannot get rabies from a squirrel that doesn’t have rabies.
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.
