Squirrels are common creatures in our environments, often seen darting around trees, collecting nuts, or playfully interacting with their surroundings. However, like all living beings, squirrels can also face health challenges, and sometimes, they might be in the process of dying. Understanding the signs of a dying squirrel can be essential for wildlife enthusiasts, pet owners, or anyone who comes across an injured or ailing squirrel.
In this article, we’ll explore the common signs of a dying squirrel, their possible causes, and what actions you can take if you come across one. It’s important to note that encountering a dying or sick squirrel can be a distressing experience, but by knowing the signs, you can make informed decisions on how to help or how to ensure the animal’s humane care in its final moments.
Understanding Squirrel Health
Before we explore the signs of a dying squirrel, it’s important to understand a little about squirrel health and how they function. Squirrels are generally hardy animals, but they are still susceptible to injuries, illnesses, and environmental factors that can affect their well-being.
Squirrels, like all wild animals, rely heavily on their instincts and natural behaviors to survive. They forage for food, build nests, avoid predators, and generally stay out of harm’s way. When they fall ill or are injured, they may not display clear signs of distress immediately, as wild animals are often adept at hiding symptoms to avoid predators. This can make it challenging to spot when a squirrel is unwell or near death.
In some cases, a squirrel’s health issues may be due to trauma, such as being hit by a car, falling from a tree, or being attacked by a predator. Other causes could be illness or environmental stressors such as food shortages, harsh weather conditions, or infections.
Common Causes of Squirrel Illness or Death
Before we dive into the signs of a dying squirrel, it’s helpful to know what might lead a squirrel to decline in health. Common causes include:
Trauma or Injury: Squirrels are active animals that often climb trees or jump between them. Injuries from falls, vehicle collisions, or attacks from predators can lead to a decline in their health.
Disease: Squirrels can be affected by various diseases, including mange, rabies, and the plague, among others. These diseases may cause severe weakness or other noticeable symptoms.
Parasites: Squirrels can host internal and external parasites, such as ticks, fleas, and mites, which can contribute to a decline in their health. These parasites may affect their behavior or cause visible symptoms.
Starvation or Malnutrition: If a squirrel is unable to find enough food, or if it faces competition for food resources, malnutrition or starvation can set in, leading to weakness and eventual death.
Cold or Heat Stress: Squirrels are generally able to cope with the elements, but extreme temperatures (either too cold or too hot) can affect their health. They might succumb to hypothermia or dehydration if they are unable to find shelter or food.
Signs of a Dying Squirrel
Squirrels are prey animals, so they tend to hide symptoms of distress or illness. However, when their condition deteriorates significantly, certain signs and behaviors may become evident. Below are common signs that a squirrel may be dying or in its final stages of life:
1. Lethargy and Weakness
One of the most noticeable signs that a squirrel is dying is extreme lethargy. Healthy squirrels are generally very active and quick, constantly moving between trees and foraging for food. If a squirrel is not moving or is barely able to move, this could be a sign that something is seriously wrong.
A dying squirrel will often remain in one place for extended periods, and may not attempt to run or escape if approached. They may have trouble climbing or may be visibly weak, making no attempt to scurry away when approached. If you observe this behavior, especially in an area where squirrels are commonly active, it’s a strong sign that the animal could be in its final stages.
2. Loss of Coordination
Squirrels rely on sharp reflexes and coordination to navigate their environment, especially when climbing or jumping between trees. If a squirrel begins to show signs of uncoordinated movements—such as stumbling, falling, or having difficulty gripping surfaces—it may be in the process of dying.
This lack of coordination could be a result of neurological damage, poisoning, or severe malnutrition. It’s important to note that if the squirrel has suffered a trauma, like a fall from a tree, this could also be a sign of a concussion or internal injury.
3. Labored Breathing or Rapid Breathing
Breathing problems are another key indicator that a squirrel may be dying. If you observe a squirrel that seems to be struggling for breath or breathing very rapidly, it could be a sign of illness or trauma. Labored breathing can occur as a result of respiratory infections, injuries to the chest or lungs, or severe stress.
In some cases, a dying squirrel may breathe with an audible wheeze or gasp. This could be indicative of internal injuries, an infection, or an advanced stage of poisoning.
4. Disorientation or Lack of Awareness
Squirrels are highly aware of their surroundings and are constantly alert to potential dangers. However, a dying squirrel may appear disoriented or confused, failing to respond to stimuli or threats. This could include being unresponsive to loud noises, approaching humans, or other animals.
A dying squirrel might also be found in an unusual location, such as on the ground during daylight hours (when they are typically active during dawn and dusk) or away from their usual nest. This is often a sign that the animal is no longer able to take care of itself or has lost its sense of direction.
5. Visible Injuries or Wounds
Sometimes, a squirrel may be dying due to an injury. If you find a squirrel that has visible wounds—such as broken limbs, deep cuts, or signs of bleeding—there’s a high likelihood that the animal is in severe distress and may be in the process of dying.
Injuries from vehicle collisions, falls, or attacks by predators often result in broken bones, internal bleeding, or damage to vital organs. If you find a squirrel with visible injuries and it’s unable to move, this could be a sign that the injury is too severe for the animal to survive.
See Also: 41 Red Squirrel Quotes, Sayings, and Proverbs
6. Abnormal Behavior
Squirrels are typically cautious and quick to flee from danger. If you encounter a squirrel that is acting strangely, such as approaching people or staying in one place without fleeing, it could be a sign that the animal is ill or dying. Other abnormal behaviors could include erratic movements, such as running in circles or moving in an uncoordinated manner.
A squirrel that seems unusually friendly or trusting may also be in the final stages of life. When an animal is dying or sick, it may lose its fear of humans and other animals, which can make them more approachable.
7. Discharge from Eyes, Nose, or Mouth
A squirrel in the final stages of life may experience bodily functions breaking down, leading to abnormal discharge from the eyes, nose, or mouth. This could be a result of illness, such as respiratory infections or rabies, or it may be an indicator that the body is shutting down.
If you see a squirrel with foamy discharge from its mouth, or if its eyes are cloudy or covered in a discharge, it is likely suffering from a serious condition and may be near death.
8. Shivering or Cold Extremities
If a squirrel is shivering or has cold, pale extremities (such as paws or ears), this could indicate a severe drop in body temperature due to hypothermia. Squirrels can easily succumb to the cold if they are unable to find shelter or sufficient food. Shivering is the body’s natural response to cold, and it can be a sign that the squirrel is struggling to maintain its temperature.
Extreme cold, lack of food, or internal damage can compromise the squirrel’s ability to stay warm, leading to a rapid decline in health.
9. Foul Smell or Decay
A dying or dead squirrel may emit a foul odor due to the decaying process. This is often more noticeable if the animal has been dead for some time or is suffering from a serious infection. If a squirrel is in its final moments or has passed away, you may notice an unpleasant smell coming from its body.
10. Loss of Fur or Skin Lesions
In some cases, a squirrel may exhibit signs of illness that manifest as hair loss or skin lesions. Mange, a common parasitic condition caused by mites, can cause fur to fall out in patches, leading to bare, irritated skin. If you notice bald spots, scabs, or visible lesions on a squirrel’s body, it could be suffering from a condition that is causing its decline.
What to Do If You Find a Dying Squirrel
If you come across a dying squirrel, there are a few things you can do to help it. While wild animals like squirrels are often best left to recover on their own, there are situations where intervention may be necessary:
Assess the Situation: If the squirrel is still alive but struggling, try to determine whether it has suffered an injury or if it is sick. This can help you decide whether it’s safe to intervene.
Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: If you believe the squirrel can be saved, or if it’s in severe distress, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for advice on how to care for it.
Give the Squirrel Space: If the squirrel is dying and there’s no way to intervene, it’s important to respect its space and allow it to pass peacefully.
Avoid Handling: Wild animals can carry diseases, so avoid direct contact with the squirrel. If you must move the animal, wear gloves.
Humane Euthanasia: If the squirrel is suffering and you can’t find a local wildlife center, you may need to consider euthanasia. It is always best to consult a professional for advice on how to proceed.
Conclusion
The signs of a dying squirrel can be distressing to witness, but it’s important to approach the situation with compassion and understanding. Recognizing the symptoms early on can help you make the right decisions for the animal’s well-being. If you come across a sick or dying squirrel, always consult a wildlife expert or rehabilitation center for guidance on the best course of action.
Related topics:
