Can you safely eat squirrel meat? What are the diseases that squirrels carry? And how should you prepare squirrel meat? We’ll go over these topics in this article. It’s important to be aware of any disease that squirrels may carry and when to avoid eating them. Also, read the warning labels on their meat if you’re interested in eating squirrel meat. Here are some ways to safely prepare squirrel. Once you’ve mastered the process, you’re ready to begin enjoying the delicious meat of this unique animal.
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Can you safely eat squirrel meat?
You may wonder, Can you safely eat squirrel meat? While the meat is considered safe, you must be careful. Not only does squirrel meat contain poisonous chemicals, but it may also be contaminated with environmental toxins. Many toxins can be difficult to detect, but if your area is contaminated with herbicides and pesticides, you should avoid eating squirrel meat. Be sure to properly cook the meat and freeze it to avoid contamination.
While the meat of squirrels is very low in fat and contains little meat, it is often cooked to kill off the pathogens that cause disease. Squirrel meat is typically found on the backstrap, shoulders, and hind legs. In Kentucky, some people cook it for its meat. The meat from these animals may be delicious, but the brains contain a pathogen that can cause Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.
Although squirrels are popular game meat in the United States, they are also eaten throughout the world. The meat is cheap and tasty, and it has the added benefit of being high in protein and low in fat. While squirrels are considered an invasive species, hunting regulations are more lax than those of other animals. Regardless of whether you plan to hunt for squirrels, you should check the legal restrictions before you begin hunting. You could face hefty fines and other legal consequences if you’re caught in a conflict or if you’re suspected of violating the law.
Diseases they carry
Squirrels are frequent hosts of ticks that carry dangerous germs, including Lyme disease, which can be passed from person to person through bites. Symptoms of Lyme disease usually include headache, fatigue, and skin breakout. It is not uncommon to experience arthritis or heart palpitations. The disease can be treated successfully with prescription antibiotics. If you eat squirrel meat, be wary of Salmonella, a bacteria present in the feces of many mammals. The disease can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. Therapy involves the replacement of electrolytes and hydration.
Although rabies is rare in squirrels, it is possible to contract this disease if you come into contact with an infected squirrel. Rabies is a virus that is transmitted through bites. Squirrels can cause fever and confusion, but this condition can progress to sleep disorders and paralysis. Even if a squirrel does not show any symptoms, it is still advisable to avoid eating it.
While some squirrel meat is edible, it should be consumed only in moderation. Squirrel meat may carry diseases such as mad cow disease. In Kentucky, for example, it is a popular regional delicacy. Despite the risk, no squirrels have been tested for this disease. However, it is possible to find infected squirrels, and if this is the case, eating them may increase your risk of contracting the disease.
Ways to prepare them
The first step in preparing squirrel for eating is to prepare the spit apparatus. To make a spit, cut two branches at one end, making a “Y” shape. Place the branches on either side of a large campfire. You can use the drippings of one bacon to add more flavor. To get the most tender meat, use two to four inch pieces of bacon. Then, add enough stock to cover the bottom of the dutch oven.
Next, prepare the guts. Before you begin preparing the squirrel for eating, cut the body cavity open with a knife. Turn the knife around so the blade is facing away from the squirrel’s guts. Next, grasp the entrails. The heart and lungs are located high in the chest. Try to save the kidneys and liver. If you want to prepare a squirrel for eating, you can also use kitchen shears to cut the pelvis and remove the poop chute.
Once you’ve prepared the squirrel for eating, you can begin cooking it. Use a cooking oil heated to 350 degrees. Add some water to the oil so that it sizzles. Then, dip the pieces in the flour again. You can cook up to two pieces at a time. After they’ve fried for about 90 minutes, you can remove them from the frying pan. The meat should be golden brown on all sides before serving.
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.
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