How to Handle a Squirrel Bite

While it is not an especially frequent occurrence, a squirrel bite should be treated in the same fashion as most other small animal bite. Like most rodents, squirrels rarely are carriers of rabies, which is actually found more commonly in skunks, bats, foxes and raccoons. Here’s what to do if you should happen to cross paths with the wrong rodent.

Suffering a Minor Wound

If the skin is barely broken from the bite, you can treat the injury as you would with any minor wound. First, wash it thoroughly with soap and water, and then apply antibiotic cream to protect against infection. Cover the cleaned wound with a sterile bandage to heal.

Dealing with a Deep Wound

For bites which penetrate the skin deeper, or if the skin is otherwise torn and bleeding, first apply pressure with a clean and dry cloth. The first priority is to stop the bleeding. Once this is done, contact your doctor for further assistance.

Cases of Infection

Symptoms of an infected animal bite can include swelling and redness around the bite area, an increase in soreness, or discharge oozing from the site of the wound. Please consult your doctor immediately if you notice any of these signs of infection.

It is also important that you seek medical attention if you have not had a tetanus shot in the past five years and you suffer a deep bite, or if the wound is dirty. For more information on wildlife removal in Raleigh, please visit this website.