Environment Control

Why Do Squirrels Attack Humans

October 15, 2021 0

With their pearl eyes, fluffy tails, and sassy personalities, squirrels certainly don’t look dangerous. People find them pretty cute in the garden. But that may not seem it that way, and you may have heard stories of squirrels attacking people.

 

Having some squirrels on your property is usually not a problem as long as you observe them from a safe distance. When they get inside your home, you have a problem that generally involves squirrel removal. You can always count on professionals to do squirrel removal the woodlands in a proper approach.

 

Do Squirrels Attack Humans? 

It is rare for squirrels to attack humans, but in some cases, squirrels attacking and biting humans and pets have been documented, sometimes enough to cause injury. However, it is difficult to find statistics on squirrel attacks. Seizures are rarely fatal, and some can be so mild that people don’t even think to report them. 

 

Squirrels are usually shy and docile creatures. When you get close to one, it will usually run away. Still, a squirrel that feels cornered and sees no way out can go on the offensive. Squirrels can also attack to protect their young. A sick squirrel is more likely to display aggressive or hostile behavior towards people. However, when a squirrel attacks, it is not always possible to determine why. 

 

Can Squirrels Transfer Diseases to Us? 

Squirrels rarely get rabies. It is rare but not impossible that a squirrel can transmit rabies to a human or pet by biting. Squirrels, on the other hand, can transmit other diseases to humans, often indirectly. Like most rodents, squirrels carry parasites such as fleas and ticks, which can have a condition. Some examples are bacterial infections like Lyme disease and bubonic plague. Rodents like squirrels can also transmit infections through urine. 

 

Because a sick squirrel can be dangerous and unpredictable, look for signs of illness and avoid squirrels that have them. Suspicious symptoms include weakness or lethargy, visible tumors, and bald spots that indicate skin conditions. 

 

How to Get Along With Squirrels

You don’t have to scare the squirrels out of your garden, which probably wouldn’t work anyway. Don’t encourage your presence either. Here are some tips for peaceful coexistence: 

 

Don’t feed the squirrels. 

Wild animals that humans feed can become aggressive. It’s not healthy for squirrels either because people don’t necessarily provide them with good food. Do not try to hand-feed the squirrels. 

 

Don’t touch squirrels. 

Although cute and fluffy, squirrels are still unpredictable wildlife. Trying to deal with one could lead to an attack from a squirrel that feels threatened. Laying your hands on it can also expose you to parasitic diseases. In particular, do not handle baby squirrels. Otherwise, the mother may become aggressive in defending them. Remember also to teach your children the same practices. 

Squirrels cannot live in your home.

Squirrels in the yard are fine, but squirrels in your home can be dangerous and destructive. They can work their way through pipes and electrical wiring and put your home at risk of water leaks or fires. Although they will probably try to avoid all contact, their droppings can expose you to disease.