Where to Dispose of a Dead Squirrel
Dead squirrels are an unfortunate part of nature, but where to dispose of them can be a difficult decision. Here are some of the possibilities, as well as what’s acceptable and what isn’t. Before disposing of the dead squirrel, read this article to learn the proper process for handling a squirrel’s body. Then, decide whether or not to perform a necropsy. If you decide to carry out a necropsy, remember that the resulting skeleton is probably not fit for human consumption.
Table of Contents
Possibilities
Whenever you come home from work and see a dead squirrel, you will probably want to dispose of it properly. There are a couple of ways to do this. First, you can bury it, but be sure to keep your pets and children out of the area. Alternatively, you can place the dead squirrel in a heavy-duty plastic bag and seal it. After you have buried the dead animal, you can place it in the garbage or recycle bin.
Another option for disposing of a dead squirrel is to pick it up and dispose of it properly. Some cities and counties will pick up roadkill, but you can also contact your city sanitation service. If you do not want to handle the carcass yourself, you can contact Parks and Recreation to have it removed. The smell is often quite unpleasant, so make sure you wear gloves and wash your hands thoroughly before you deal with it.
Diseases transmitted by dead squirrels
A close examination of the pinnae of the squirrels revealed three different symptoms. Three of the squirrels had crusty pinnae, and one of the four also had wart-like and keratinised protuberances. These symptoms were related to epidermal papilliform hyperplasia. These symptoms were not specific to one species, but suggestive of multiple pathogens.
In addition to rabies, dead squirrels may carry a number of other diseases. In addition to bacteria, they may carry ticks that can transmit Lyme disease. This disease causes symptoms such as inflammation, pain, and stiffness, and is sometimes life-threatening. In addition to ticks, squirrel droppings may carry Salmonella bacteria, which causes gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and fever. Rabies can also be transmitted through scratching or biting.
Acceptable means
While there are many different methods for disposing of a dead squirrel, burial is an acceptable method. Ensure that the grave is shallow and in a location where decomposition can take place. After burying the squirrel, seal the grave with a tightly sealed bag and place it somewhere out of reach of children and pets. This way, you will honor the memory of your pet. Listed below are some of the more common methods and how to properly dispose of a dead squirrel.
First, you should always wear gloves when handling a dead animal. If you’re dealing with a child or pet, you should wrap it in a plastic bag. If you can’t dispose of the animal in this manner, you can always place it in the trash. If the animal is very large, you can seal it with a plastic bag and throw it in the trash. Regardless of the method, you should always wash your hands thoroughly after touching a dead animal.
Necropsy
A comprehensive post-mortem examination revealed a wide range of pathological conditions in dead squirrels. This investigation included microbiological examination and a detailed morphological assessment of 34 squirrels from IoW, Scotland, and Cumbria, England. Three squirrels from Anglesey, Wales, and two from Cumbria, England, were subjected to formalin-fixed ear pinnas. The morphological features of the samples included the presence of inflammatory cells, apical lesions, and mucoid stains.
Although the death of the squirrels could not be definitively determined based on the photos, ODNR Assistant Wildlife Management Supervisor Bruce Terrill says that the morphological evidence suggests that they did not die of squirrel pox, which typically presents as a crusty mass on the skin. Despite its severe form, most grey squirrels survive the disease. The photographs also suggest physical trauma caused by a domestic cat, dog, or pellet gun.
Rat poison
If you want to remove the dead squirrel in your backyard, you need to dispose of it properly. Using poison to dispose of it can be risky. Rat poison does not kill the animal, and you risk the possibility of killing other animals, such as cats. It can also contaminate soil and water sources. In addition, you can attract more rodents to your yard by leaving the dead body. If you have small children, you should use other methods for squirrel removal, such as trapping.
The FDA allowed the use of bittering agents in rodenticides after a lawsuit by the Natural Resources Defense Council and West Harlem Environmental Action. This lawsuit forced the agency to develop new rules for the use of rodenticides. The EPA formulated the Risk Mitigation Decision for Ten Rodenticides in 2008, which lays out new regulations. The decision remains the gold standard for rat poison registration requirements.
How do I dispose of a dead squirrel?
Answer 1: You can call your local solid waste management company to ask how to dispose of it.
Most likely you will be instructed to place the squirrel in a trash bag and put it in the garbage.
Can I bury a dead squirrel in my backyard?
Answer 2: No you should not bury a dead squirrel in your backyard.
Bury it too shallowly and other animals may dig it up.
Bury it too deep and you could contaminate your water supply.
Can I burn a dead squirrel?
Answer 3: No you should not burn a dead squirrel.
Burning it could release harmful chemicals into the air.
Can I throw a dead squirrel in a dumpster?
Answer 4: No you should not throw a dead squirrel in a dumpster.
The squirrel will likely rot and attract vermin.
Can I place a dead squirrel in a city garbage can?
Answer 5: Yes you can place a dead squirrel in a city garbage can.
Make sure the squirrel is in a trash bag to contain any odor.
Should I wear gloves when disposing of a dead squirrel?
Answer 6: Yes you should wear gloves when disposing of a dead squirrel.
Gloves will protect you from any bacteria or diseases the squirrel may be carrying.
How do I dispose of a dead squirrel if I live in an apartment?
Answer 7: If you live in an apartment you can call your local solid waste management company to ask how to dispose of the squirrel.
Most likely you will be instructed to place the squirrel in a trash bag and put it in the garbage.
Should I double bag a dead squirrel?
Answer 8: Yes you should double bag a dead squirrel.
Double bagging will help contain any odor.
What if I can’t find a trash bag to put the dead squirrel in?
Answer 9: If you can’t find a trash bag you can place the squirrel in a box.
Make sure the box is securely closed so that the squirrel cannot escape.
Can I dispose of a dead squirrel in a lake?
Answer 10: No you should not dispose of a dead squirrel in a lake.
The squirrel will likely rot and attract vermin.
Can I dispose of a dead squirrel in a river?
Answer 11: No you should not dispose of a dead squirrel in a river.
The squirrel will likely rot and attract vermin.
Can I dispose of a dead squirrel in a forest?
Answer 12: No you should not dispose of a dead squirrel in a forest.
The squirrel will likely rot and attract vermin.
What if I can’t afford to pay for professional disposal?
Answer 13: If you can’t afford to pay for professional disposal you can place the squirrel in a trash bag and put it in the garbage.
Can I keep the dead squirrel as a pet?
Answer 14: No you should not keep the dead squirrel as a pet.
The squirrel may carry diseases that are harmful to humans.
Is it illegal to dispose of a dead squirrel in the garbage?
Answer 15: No it is not illegal to dispose of a dead squirrel in the garbage.
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.
