What to Do If You Ran Over a Squirrel 
If you’ve recently hit a squirrel, you might be wondering what to do. There are some things you can do. You may be fined or even face criminal charges. If this happens, you’ll need to call animal control and document the scene. Here are some helpful tips:
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Taking a stray squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitation center
If you have accidentally run over a stray squirrel, the best thing to do is to contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or the police. They will transport the injured animal to a wildlife rehab center. In addition, you can research local wildlife and release injured animals at a safe location. It will take a few days for the injured animal to readjust to its new environment, so it’s important to release it somewhere away from highways, busy streets, and intersections.
Depending on your state, there are different laws concerning the care of wild animals. In the United Kingdom, red squirrels are protected species, while injured grey squirrels are considered invasive species. If you have accidentally run over a squirrel, contact your local animal control center first to find out whether the animal should be destroyed or treated. In addition to proper medical treatment, a wildlife rehab center can provide you with information on animal care laws in your area.
Providing food to a tree squirrel
If you ran over a tree squirrel and it has a nest in your yard, you may want to provide it with food. Tree squirrels are persistent animals. They will jump over fences to get at your bird feeders and should be kept out of their nesting areas. The best way to protect the nest is to provide them with food. If you have a young squirrel, providing them with food may help them survive.
If you ran over a tree squirrel, don’t panic. They’re usually quite timid, so they’ll likely try to flee as soon as possible. You can offer food by using a pillowcase, or you can trap them by running over one with your car. If you can catch the squirrel and get them outside, they’ll likely leave on their own in a few weeks. If you want to get rid of the squirrel problem for good, however, it is best to call a professional wildlife professional who can help.
Contacting animal control
If you ran over a squirrel, there are a few things you should do. First, pull over and turn on your hazard lights. If possible, try to avoid crossing busy lanes of traffic. If possible, wait until no other vehicles are approaching to get out of your car. Then, call emergency services. Next, determine the type of animal you hit and contact them accordingly. Then, you can move forward with the process of contacting animal control.
You can contact animal control in the Town of Montreat or Biltmore Forest if you have run over a squirrel. They will respond to the scene and help you identify the animal. The City of Asheville also has animal services for the Towns of Biltmore Forest, Woodfin, and Weaverville. Contacting animal control if you ran over a squirrel is an important part of ensuring the safety of your family and friends.
Documenting the scene of an accident
While accidents involving animals can be devastating, they can be avoided if you take precautions. A squirrel, cat, or deer may dash out from under your car and cause a collision. Make sure to take photos of the scene and make notes of what happened. Take pictures of any damage your vehicle has suffered. Take pictures of the area where the accident happened as well as any animal damage.
If you can, try to document the scene of the accident, including the area where the squirrel was hit. You may be able to gather the statements of witnesses and document the accident. However, you should be careful not to utter anything that can make the incident worse. It is also a good idea to get photos of any documents that may be helpful in court. Documenting the scene of an accident can be difficult, but taking pictures of the area can help.
Should you stop if you hit a squirrel with your car?
Yes if you can you should stop and check on the squirrel.
If it appears to be injured call animal control or a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Should you move the squirrel if it is blocking the road?
No you should not move the squirrel yourself.
Wait for animal control or another professional to arrive.
What should you do if the squirrel is injured?
If the squirrel appears to be injured you should call animal control or a wildlife rehabilitation center.
What should you do if the squirrel is dead?
If the squirrel is dead you should remove it from the road if you can do so safely.
If you cannot safely remove the squirrel yourself wait for animal control or another professional to arrive.
Is it illegal to hit a squirrel with your car?
In most states it is not illegal to hit a squirrel with your car.
However you should always try to avoid hitting animals with your car whenever possible.
What should you do if you see a squirrel in the road?
If you see a squirrel in the road you should slow down and try to avoid hitting it.
If you cannot avoid hitting the squirrel stop and check on the animal afterwards.
What should you do if a squirrel is blocking your car?
If a squirrel is blocking your car you should honk your horn to try and scare it away.
If the squirrel does not move wait for it to move on its own or for animal control to arrive.
What should you do if you hit a squirrel and it runs away?
If you hit a squirrel and it runs away you should stop and check on the animal.
If the squirrel appears to be injured call animal control or a wildlife rehabilitation center.
What should you do if you see a squirrel in your car?
If you see a squirrel in your car you should try to safely capture it and release it outside.
If you cannot safely capture the squirrel call animal control.
What should you do if a squirrel is chasing you?
If a squirrel is chasing you you should try to calmly walk away from the animal.
If the squirrel does not stop chasing you call animal control.
What should you do if a squirrel is attacking you?
If a squirrel is attacking you you should try to calm the animal down or call animal control.
What should you do if a squirrel is in your house?
If a squirrel is in your house you should try to safely capture it and release it outside.
If you cannot safely capture the squirrel call animal control.
What should you do if a squirrel is in your car?
If a squirrel is in your car you should try to safely capture it and release it outside.
If you cannot safely capture the squirrel call animal control.
What should you do if you find a baby squirrel?
If you find a baby squirrel you should call a wildlife rehabilitation center.
What should you do if you find an injured squirrel?
If you find an injured squirrel you should call animal control or a wildlife rehabilitation center.
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.
