Coming across an injured or dying squirrel can be an upsetting experience. If you’ve found a squirrel in distress, you likely want to help but may not know the best course of action. This comprehensive guide will provide advice on how to humanely assist a dying squirrel.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: The most humane thing to do for a severely injured or dying squirrel is to end its suffering as quickly and painlessly as possible. The best methods are cervical dislocation or gunshot to the head.
It’s also important to check for and euthanize dependent baby squirrels.
Assess the Squirrel’s Condition
Look for signs of injury or illness
If you come across a dying squirrel, the first step is to assess its condition to determine if it requires help. Look for any obvious signs of injury, illness or distress. Here are some things to check for:
- Visible wounds, blood or limb injuries. This may indicate the squirrel has been attacked by a predator, hit by a car or fallen from a great height.
- Loss of fur, scabs or skin irritation. This can be a sign of mange or other skin conditions.
- Discharge from eyes/nose, trouble breathing, coughing or sneezing. These are symptoms of respiratory infections.
- Lethargy, weakness, loss of balance or seizures. This may indicate neurological issues, poisoning, exhaustion or shock.
- Bloating or protruding rectum. This points to gastrointestinal issues.
- Fly eggs around wounds or orifices. Fly infestations occur when a squirrel is immobilized.
If the squirrel seems alert but underweight or dehydrated, it may simply need food and fluids. A healthy squirrel will be fully furred, with bright eyes, and will flee from humans. A sick or injured squirrel may cry, move slowly or remain motionless when approached.
Determine if it’s an adult or baby
It’s also important to determine the squirrel’s age, as this affects the appropriate next steps. Baby squirrels found alone outside the nest likely need to be rescued, while healthy adult squirrels are often better left alone.
Here’s how to tell if it’s an adult or baby:
- Size – Gray squirrel babies are about 2.5 ounces at birth. Eastern fox squirrels are slightly larger. At 6-7 weeks they reach adult size of 1-2 pounds.
- Fur – Newborns have no fur but grow a full coat by 5-6 weeks old. Watch for patchy hair coverage.
- Eyes – Babies’ eyes open around 3-4 weeks old. They are blue at first before changing color.
- Behavior – Babies often vocalize and seem unsteady. They may approach humans seeking warmth and food.
- Time of year – Squirrels mate in late winter and babies are born in early spring. Late spring babies may have fallen from nests.
According to wildlife rehabilitator statistics, over 60% of baby squirrels brought to rehab centers between May and July are infants who have fallen from nests but are otherwise healthy and should be reunited with mom when possible.
Options for a Severely Injured or Dying Squirrel
Euthanize it quickly and humanely
Finding a severely injured or dying squirrel can be an upsetting experience. However, the most ethical option may be to euthanize the animal as quickly and humanely as possible to prevent further suffering.
According to the Humane Society of the United States (https://www.humanesociety.org/), euthanizing a wild animal yourself should only be done as a last resort. They recommend using techniques that cause rapid unconsciousness followed by death, such as blunt force trauma to the head or carbon dioxide asphyxiation.
These options require some preparation, but you may be able to work with a wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian who can guide you on the most humane approach. Taking action quickly reduces the chance for a slow, painful death for the squirrel.
Get wildlife rehabilitation assistance (if possible)
If the squirrel does not have mortal injuries, getting wildlife rehabilitation assistance would be the ideal option. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators have the expertise to evaluate a squirrel’s condition, provide emergency first aid and pain relief, and support longer term rehabilitation.
Depending on the severity, blood loss, pain levels, and prognosis for recovery, rehabilitation may give the squirrel another chance for survival. However, rehabilitation capacity is often limited, so calling ahead ensures you find an available specialist.
If transporting the squirrel yourself, use thick gloves for protection and place it in a covered box with some t-shirt scraps for bedding. With rehabilitation support, between 40-60% of squirrels can recover and be successfully released back to the wild (source: https://www.wildlifecenter.org/).
Methods of Euthanasia
Cervical Dislocation
Cervical dislocation is a common method used to humanely euthanize small animals like squirrels. It involves swiftly separating the skull from the spine by applying pressure and twisting the head and neck. When performed correctly, cervical dislocation results in rapid unconsciousness and death.
This method should only be attempted by experienced wildlife rehabilitators or veterinarians, as improper technique can cause severe distress. Cervical dislocation is an accepted form of euthanasia by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for small rodents when performed by trained professionals.
Captive Bolt Gun or Firearm
A captive bolt gun is a specialized device that delivers a focused blow to an animal’s skull, causing immediate loss of consciousness and destruction of brain tissue. This method is commonly used for on-farm euthanasia of livestock.
For squirrels, a small caliber firearm like a .22 can serve the same purpose. The AVMA approves this method as humane when targeting the head/brain and performed by trained operators. Proper placement is key – misfired shots can lead to extended suffering.
Safety precautions are also essential when discharging firearms. While not as readily available as manual methods, a captive bolt gun or well-placed bullet to the head provides near-instant loss of sensation and is considered among the most humane approaches for euthanizing injured wildlife.
Inhalant Anesthetics
Inhalant anesthetics like isoflurane can humanely render squirrels unconscious before respiratory and cardiac arrest. This method should only be performed under veterinary supervision, as anesthetic gases require proper dosing and equipment for safe administration.
Anesthetic overdose induces a painless, rapid loss of consciousness. However, it may not cause immediate death and should be followed by a secondary method like exsanguination or bilateral thoracotomy to ensure death.
While not commonly accessible to the public, inhalant anesthetics administered by veterinarians are regarded as a humane euthanasia method by the AVMA. For severely injured, wild squirrels with no chance of recovery, anesthesia followed by a physical method of euthanasia may be the most gentle and ethical option.
After Euthanasia, Dispose of the Body Properly
Bury it
Burying the squirrel’s body is often the best way to dispose of it after euthanasia. Choose a spot in your yard that is away from high traffic areas and start digging a hole that is about 2-3 feet deep. Gently place the squirrel in the hole and cover completely with dirt.
Marking the spot with a small stick or stone can help you remember where you buried it. This allows the body to naturally decompose underground.
When choosing where to bury the squirrel, consider proximity to gardens and water sources. Stay at least 100 feet away from any wells, streams, or lakes to prevent contamination. Also avoid anywhere you grow vegetables or fruit trees. Pick a quiet area of your lawn instead.
Check for and euthanize dependent babies
If you euthanized a mother squirrel, her babies may still be alive in a nearby nest relying on her for food and care. It is kinder to euthanize dependent baby squirrels than letting them slowly starve or die from exposure or predators.
Check natural nooks and holes in trees near where you found the mother. Listen for distress cries which often sound like bird chirps. If you locate a nest, use the same euthanasia methods you used on the mother such as carbon dioxide asphyxiation.
Euthanizing neonatal squirrel pups is difficult emotionally but prevents further suffering.
Here are signs baby squirrels are independent and do not require euthanasia:
- They have fur and open eyes.
- They are seen moving around the tree and foraging.
- They scatter and run away when you approach.
If the babies fit this criteria, they likely have a chance to survive without their mother. Avoid separating healthy weaned squirrels from their habitat.
| Dependent Squirrel Signs | Independent Squirrel Signs |
|---|---|
| Bare skin, closed eyes | Furry, eyes open |
| Stay nestled not moving | Roam and forage |
| Cry with hunger | Run and scatter when approached |
Checking for babies and humanely euthanizing any that are still dependent prevents further suffering. Pair this process with proper burial of the adult squirrel’s remains to compassionately handle the aftermath of squirrel euthanasia.
Precautions When Handling Wildlife
Wear thick gloves
When handling any wild animal, it’s crucial to protect yourself from potential bites or scratches. Thick, leather gloves that cover your hands and wrists are ideal. Garden gloves may rip easily, exposing bare skin. Welder’s gloves provide an extra barrier against sharp claws or teeth.
Though cumbersome, wearing gloves reduces the risk of wounds that could transmit rabies, ringworm, or other diseases (HSUS).
Avoid bites and scratches
Always approach a wild animal cautiously and avoid sudden movements that could startle it. Even small animals like squirrels can inflict painful bites and scratches when frightened. If possible, use a towel or blanket to pick up an injured animal while wearing thick gloves.
Move slowly and talk softly to keep the animal calm. The more relaxed the animal, the less likely it will be to bite or scratch in self-defense.
Disinfect any wounds
If you do suffer any bites, scratches or other wounds while handling a wild animal, thoroughly clean the area with soap and warm water. Apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a clean bandage. Contact your physician about the potential need for rabies shots or other treatment.
Even minor scratches can become infected. According to the CDC, domestic dogs and cats account for 97% of rabies cases among pets. However, wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes are more likely to carry rabies. Don’t take chances with animal bites.
Be aware of diseases like rabies
Use extreme caution when handling wild animals as they may carry diseases transmittable to humans. Rabies tops the list but animals can also have parasites, ringworm fungus, ticks, mites and other health issues.
According to the CDC, around 60,000 Americans receive rabies vaccination shots yearly after potential exposure. While human rabies deaths are rare (only 1-3 cases annually), the disease is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
So preventive treatment is critical after contact with suspect animals. Protect yourself and your family by educating yourself about possible diseases beforehand. 😊
Conclusion
Coming across injured wildlife can be difficult, but following these guidelines will allow you to humanely handle the situation. With some preparation and care, you can minimize any risk to yourself while also reducing the suffering of a dying squirrel.
Always think of the animal’s comfort first when faced with this scenario.
