Why Did My Baby Squirrel Die? 
If you’ve just brought home a baby squirrel, you probably wonder, “Why did my baby die?” The answer to this question is complex, but not unsolvable. Inadequate care can cause an animal to suffer from several different causes. This article focuses on four common causes of baby squirrel death. These include: Improper diet, Electric shock, Encephalomyocarditis, and Squirrelpox.
Improper diet
There are many reasons a baby squirrel might die, but the number one reason is improper diet. Wildlife rehabilitators tell us to give them a special puppy formula, and to never feed them cow’s milk. This diet is marginally effective and recently changed to include less milk fat. Fortunately, a little research has revealed the truth behind the myths. This article will explain why improper diet is the number one reason your baby squirrel died.
First of all, babies are extremely tiny. The average squirrel baby is about the size of a woman’s thumb, and has no hair. However, a few weeks after birth, the squirrels begin to develop reddish-purple hair around their mouths and a grayish purple shadow all over their bodies. Their legs and belly are bright pink, but their fur begins to form around three weeks old. In the following two or three weeks, lower front teeth start coming in. A few weeks after the baby squirrel starts developing hair, it may die of internal injuries, or be ill from an electric shock or predator attack.
Encephalomyocarditis
While you might be relieved that your baby squirrel died of no apparent reason, you need to look into the cause of death and find out whether it was a fatal illness or an infection. Encephalomyocarditis is a viral illness that causes inflammation and degeneration of skeletal and cardiac tissue. As a result, the nervous system is destroyed and the heart fails to pump blood. It is transmitted through contact with infected rodents or through secondary bacterial transmission. Symptoms of encephalomyocarditis include a weakened heart and an increased heart rate. Thankfully, the infection can be treated with antibiotics or antivirals.
You should consult with a veterinarian if you notice your baby squirrel is losing weight, is cold to the touch, has diarrhea, or passes blood. A dying baby squirrel will also have a gray, balding coat, and spots on its body. In addition to infections, baby squirrels may also die of malnutrition or an infection. These are all signs that your baby squirrel is suffering from encephalomycarditis, a viral infection that can kill your pet.
Electric shock
The signs of electric shock are not always immediately apparent in a baby squirrel. Occasionally, a squirrel will die after being caught in a telephone wire or while climbing on a tree. This can be caused by a number of causes, including poison or pet predation. When a squirrel dies suddenly, the signs of a shock include rapid pulse and cold body temperature. There may be bleeding or other injuries as well.
The electrical charge can jump a great distance and may cause massive internal damage. It can also be carried by the roots of trees. Lightning is also a common cause of animal deaths. Most animals that are struck by lightning have burn marks on their body, indicating that the electrical charge was carried by the wind and landed on the animal’s body. It is best to stay away from power lines and contact a veterinarian if you suspect an animal of this type has been in your home.
Squirrelpox is the last major killer of baby squirrels
In recent years, the dreaded Squirrel Pox virus has killed off many fox squirrels, but there are still a few other major killers of baby squirrels. Interestingly, a virus that causes tumors on the squirrels’ skin has been reported in rare cases. The virus has a high mortality rate, with infected animals dying within two to three weeks.
There are two types of leprosy. The first type is caused by Mycobacterium lepromatosis. This type of disease can cause severe skin and mucous membrane infections. It can also lead to leprosy infection. However, it is very rare to contract the disease in the UK or Ireland. The symptoms of leprosy are primarily skin, mucous membranes, and nerves.
In the first type, the pinnae of the ill squirrels showed crusty thickening. The second type was characterized by keratinised protuberances and wart-like lesions. In the third type, the apical lobes were severely affected. A biopsy of the lungs revealed extensive Gram-positive cocci in subpleural microabscesses. The final form of the disease, called focal parenchymal abscessation, was not definitively determined.
What are some of the most common causes of death in baby squirrels?
The most common causes of death in baby squirrels are starvation predation and exposure to the elements.
How long can baby squirrels survive without food or water?
Baby squirrels can survive for up to three days without food or water.
What are some of the signs that a baby squirrel is dying?
Some of the signs that a baby squirrel is dying are weight loss lethargy and dehydration.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is dehydrated?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is dehydrated if its eyes are sunken and its skin is dry.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is starving?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is starving if it is thin and its ribs are visible.
What is the best way to care for a baby squirrel?
The best way to care for a baby squirrel is to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
What should you do if you find a sick or injured baby squirrel?
If you find a sick or injured baby squirrel you should take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
What should you do if you find a baby squirrel that has been abandoned by its mother?
If you find a baby squirrel that has been abandoned by its mother you should take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is orphaned?
You can tell if a baby squirrel is orphaned if it is crying and has no adult squirrels nearby.
What is the best way to keep a baby squirrel warm?
The best way to keep a baby squirrel warm is to put it in a box with a heating pad set on low.
What is the best way to feed a baby squirrel?
The best way to feed a baby squirrel is to give it formula from a syringe or bottle.
How often should you feed a baby squirrel?
You should feed a baby squirrel every two to four hours.
What should you do if a baby squirrel refuses to eat?
If a baby squirrel refuses to eat you should take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center.
What are some of the things that you should not feed a baby squirrel?
You should not feed a baby squirrel cow’s milk human baby formula orsolid food.
What is the best way to handle a baby squirrel?
The best way to handle a baby squirrel is to cup it in your hands with its head facing down.
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.
