I took my small dog out yesterday and two squirrels came down out of the tree and started barking at us. They only fled up the tree when I yelled at them.
Can this be dangerous? I also have two small children, who would love to pet a squirrel. Can they be rabid? How can I get them to stay in the neighbor's yard, where the bird feeder that they devour is?
I don't want to harm them (unless they are rabid, in which case Animal Control would handle that).
2007-06-28 02:49:37 · 12 answers · asked by SpaceMonkey67 6 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
They probably have babies nearby or they get defensive because they are just trying to protect themselves for fear of danger. Try leaving them some food periodically. Maybe that way they will become friendly and understand that you aren't trying to harm them.
2007-06-28 03:21:25 · answer #1 · answered by dawn2391 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Please do not listen to anyone advocating live trapping and relocating the squirrels yourself. First, in most areas, you need a license to do that. Second, if they have babies, and you separate the parents from their young, you are dooming the babies to a slow and painful starvation. Third, if you relocate them to an area already overcrowded with squirrels, they may not have the resources (food and shelter) needed for survival. If you must relocate them , please look into hiring a professional. You can find one here: http://www.wildlife-removal.com/faq.htm
I have always found, however, that squirrels fall into one of two catagories, neither of which require any drastic action, like relocation. Either you can intimidate them, and they will run like hell every time they see you, or you can bribe them. Throw them a couple of peanuts when you see them, and they will gladly leave you alone while they devour the food, or go off to bury it somewhere.
Also, unless there has been an outbreak of rabies in your area, I wouldn't worry too much about that. Squirrels, being mammals, can carry rabies, but it is rare. Raccoons and skunks are much more likely to carry rabies, and even that doesn't happen as often as people think it does.
2007-06-28 10:12:07 · answer #2 · answered by margecutter 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are probably not rabid but they can be very aggressive, especially when babies are involved. Live trapping the squirrels and moving them away from there (Far, far away, preferably to a park) is possible. If you buy a live trap, dont get the cheesy imported junk like you find at Harbor Freight. Get the Hav-a-hart traps, They work, unlike the imported ones.
2007-06-28 09:54:27 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt the squirrels would actually attack you or your dog. They've fussed at my dog before, but as soon as she lunged at them they scampered up the tree.
If they are rabid you may have to call animal control, but I don't know how to tell if a squirrel is rabid ...
2007-06-28 09:52:34 · answer #4 · answered by trippystemny 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A squirrel bit my brother once, and then it died. I thought we were gonna have to get my brother tested ! Some animals such as squirrels in the west are showing up with the plague lately. How strange is that.
2007-06-28 09:55:41 · answer #5 · answered by c99challenger 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cute little destructive rats with a long tail. They are so aggressive!
I doubt they could get close enough to pet but I wouldn't encourage it- a squirrel has very sharp teeth.
Just keep moving and walk with a stick if you feel safer- just wave it at the squirrel- or whack it if necessary
2007-06-28 09:56:35 · answer #6 · answered by ditdit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In Germany there was a case where a squirrel attacked 3 people injuring them and a man that is 72 years old ended up killing it with his crutch.
Here's the article. http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/2007/06/15/squirrel-goes-nuts--89520-19299762/
2007-06-28 10:10:38 · answer #7 · answered by krennao 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Squirrels will rarely have rabies; they die quickly from the disease. Squirrels aren't usually aggressive and were more than likely antagonizing your dog because they thought it was funny. (my husband compares them to college frat boys)
2007-06-28 09:55:47 · answer #8 · answered by redsquirrelpooka 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sounds like they are protecting some young.
If they had rabies they would have probably attcked
the barking is just a warning to not come closer.
Do watch the kids and let them know not to go to close.
You should be fine as ling as you don't get to close.
2007-06-28 09:58:11 · answer #9 · answered by Kit_kat 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Haha..i'm very sorry to say this.. but i have a pet squirrel. and its soo awesome. im right in love with it. and its kinda funny.
but yeah
umm..bye
--Miss*Sierra--
2007-06-28 09:52:22 · answer #10 · answered by sierrA; 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋