Squirrels may seem cute and harmless, but their sharp claws and teeth can do real damage. If you’ve had the misfortune of being scratched or bitten by a squirrel, you may be worried about the potential consequences.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Squirrel scratches, even superficial ones, can lead to bacterial infections. Seek medical care for deep scratches or bites to get them properly cleaned and receive antibiotics or a tetanus shot.
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In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about squirrel scratches, including the health risks, what to do if you get scratched, symptoms to watch for, and how to avoid squirrel attacks in the future.
Potential Health Risks of Squirrel Scratches
Bacterial Infections
Squirrels can transmit bacterial infections through their claws and teeth when they scratch or bite (CDC). Common bacteria found in squirrel scratches include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pasteurella multocida, Clostridium tetani, and Capnocytophaga canimorsus.
These can lead to localized skin infections or more serious systemic illnesses. Some tips to prevent bacterial infections from squirrel scratches:
- Thoroughly clean the wound with soap and warm water.
- Apply an antibiotic ointment.
- Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, warmth, and pus.
- See a doctor if the wound appears infected.
Diseases
Squirrels may carry diseases that can be transmitted through their scratches, such as:
- Tularemia – Rare bacterial disease marked by fever, ulcers, and pneumonia.
- Leptospirosis – Bacterial infection that can damage the kidneys and liver.
- Typhus – Rickettsial disease with fever, rash, and muscle pain.
- Rat bite fever – Bacterial illness causing fever, rash, joint pain.
Protect yourself by wearing gloves when handling squirrels, cooking meat thoroughly, avoiding squirrel droppings, and keeping squirrels out of homes. See a doctor if flu-like symptoms develop after a squirrel scratch.
Rabies
While rare, squirrels can get rabies if they have contact with rabid animals. According to the CDC, only 5% of rabies cases in the USA every year occur in squirrels (CDC). Still, rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear, so any squirrel scratch should be evaluated for rabies risk.
Some important rabies facts:
- Squirrels showing signs of aggression, paralysis or unprovoked attacks may have rabies.
- Rabies preventive treatment may be recommended if the squirrel appeared ill and rabies testing on the animal is not possible.
- Rabies is transmitted through saliva. Squirrel scratches may transmit rabies if saliva enters the wound.
To protect yourself, avoid contact with wildlife. If bitten or scratched, immediately wash wounds with soap and water for 15 minutes. Promptly see a doctor to assess rabies risk and decide if preventive treatment is needed.
What To Do if You Get Scratched by a Squirrel
Clean the Wound
If a squirrel scratches you and breaks your skin, it’s important to clean the wound right away. Use soap and warm water to rinse the area well. You’ll want to remove any dirt or debris that could cause an infection. Be sure to wash the wound for at least 5 minutes.
You may also want to apply an antibiotic ointment after cleaning. Keeping the wound clean is crucial.
See a Doctor for Severe Scratches/Bites
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While most minor scratches can be treated at home, you should see a doctor if the wound is deep or won’t stop bleeding. Squirrel bites in particular can be prone to infection and may require antibiotics or a tetanus shot.
Seek medical care immediately if you experience any signs of infection like swelling, redness, warmth, or pus. The doctor can properly clean, monitor, and bandage a severe scratch or bite.
Watch for Signs of Infection
It’s important to monitor any squirrel scratch or bite for signs of infection in the days following the incident. Check the area for increasing warmth, swelling, redness, and pus. You may also develop a fever. If you notice any infection symptoms, call your doctor right away.
Left untreated, the infection can spread to your blood, tissues, or bones. Getting prompt medical treatment is vital.
Get a Tetanus Shot
Doctors typically recommend getting a tetanus vaccine after an animal scratch or bite. Tetanus is a bacterial infection that enters the body through wounds. It causes painful muscle spasms and can be fatal. Squirrels can carry the tetanus bacteria in their mouths and claws.
If you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years, your doctor will likely give you one after a squirrel scratch to prevent any infection.
Symptoms of Infection from a Squirrel Scratch
Redness, Swelling, Pain
A squirrel scratch that becomes infected will likely show signs of redness, swelling, and pain around the wound within 24-48 hours. As bacteria multiply, the area will become increasingly inflamed. Tenderness and soreness at the scratch site is common.
The skin surrounding the scratch may also feel warm or hot to the touch as blood flow increases to the affected area.
If untreated, the redness and swelling can spread, and lymph nodes closest to the wound may become tender. Left unchecked, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and become life-threatening. So it’s important to monitor the scratch closely for spreading redness, swelling, pain, pus, and other symptoms of infection.
Pus or Drainage
The presence of yellow or green pus or drainage from a squirrel scratch signals infection. This fluid contains dead skin cells, bacteria, and white blood cells flooding to the site to fight infection.
According to the Mayo Clinic, skin infections manifest as redness, swelling, drainage, and warmth around the scratch. Drainage of cloudy or bloody fluid is also a warning sign. Pus or skin drainage should never be squeezed or messaged, as this can worsen and spread infection.
Fever
A fever over 100.4°F (38°C) may accompany an infected squirrel scratch as the body fights invasion. Fevers happen when pyrogens are released as part of the inflammatory response, raising body temperature.
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Along with fever, symptoms like headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, and general weakness can manifest.
According to the CDC, there’s a small risk of contracting tularemia, rat-bite fever, or viral encephalitis from an infected squirrel scratch. These serious illnesses lead to high fevers, chills, vomiting, diarrhea and other flu-like symptoms which require urgent medical care.
How to Avoid Squirrel Scratches and Bites
Do Not Feed or Pet Squirrels
Feeding squirrels or trying to pet them can seem harmless, but it encourages them to approach humans for food. This increases the chances of getting scratched or bitten. According to the CDC, squirrels are responsible for up to 40% of bites from non-rabid animals.
It’s best not to feed or touch wild squirrels.
Give Squirrels Space
If you encounter squirrels while outside, give them plenty of space. Don’t approach or corner squirrels, as this can make them feel threatened. Squirrels usually avoid humans, but can attack if they feel their space has been invaded.
Teach children not to chase or crowd squirrels they see while playing outdoors.
Protect Your Home
Squirrels sometimes enter houses or damage property in search of food or shelter. Trimming overhanging tree branches can discourage them from jumping onto the roof. Covering attic vents with mesh screens prevents entry. Plugging holes in the eaves keeps squirrels out of your home.
You can also use repellents like hot pepper spray or predator urine.
Supervise Children and Pets Around Squirrels
Dogs and cats may naturally give chase or pester squirrels out of curiosity. Small children may also want to get close to or handle squirrels. Supervise kids and pets when squirrels are around. Keep dogs leashed so they don’t chase squirrels up trees.
Cats allowed outside could get scratched swatting at squirrels. Teach kids to admire squirrels from a distance.
Conclusion
While squirrel scratches are rarely serious, they can lead to complications like bacterial infections. Minor scratches can be treated at home with proper wound care, but more significant bites or deep scratches warrant medical attention.
To avoid squirrel scratches, do not interact with or feed wild squirrels, give them space, and take precautions around your home and family.
With proper precautions, you can admire squirrels from a safe distance and avoid the risks from squirrel scratches. But if you are scratched, be sure to clean and monitor the wound carefully. Seeking prompt medical care is crucial for severe squirrel scratches or bites.
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