Shower and squirrels don't mix

[Andre]

I made the mistake of taking a good shower and letting my girl out right after. She attacked me like I was gonna hurt her. As soon as she came out and took one smell she jumped and bite my arm hard. Blood was everywhere! She is the sweetest cuddlest squirrel I ever had too. The next day when my smell was back. She accepted me like nothing happened. Grooming my hands and giving me a tounge bath 😁 so fellow squirrel lovers don't shower and handle your baby. She will attack you.

[stosh2010]

ANY- and -I mean ANY change in YOUR routine--can result in a confused, scared and sometimes aggressive squirrel.
if you change your shampoo, or cologne, or even hand soap --- it will be confusing to our little friends.
They are SERIOUS-creatures off habit.

[island rehabber]

Andre, if it's any consolation to you, you're probably the 983rd person who has come here to the Squirrel Board and told the exact same or similar story -- sometimes it's after we get our hair colored, or a guy uses a new after-shave, or -- anything! If you don't smell like YOU, beware of your squirrel.

[stepnstone]

If you don't smell like YOU, beware of your squirrel.

[Chickenlegs]

um--sorry. Been there--still cleaning blood stains off the wall.

[Roxi's mom]

Lol! All I did was put on some hand lotion while she was with me and attacked my arm like a crazy ninja Squirrel! Yeah, lots of blood.

[Squeekhart]

O my.

Well. In a world in which a Very Small Animal must be ever vigilant, they use their senses to recognize a friend from foe.

I imagine some of them may be reacting the way we would if we sensed that one of our loved ones had been replaced suddenly by a "pod" version: "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY PERSON?!" It is worse than simply seeing a stranger. It is seeing their best friend, only... they can tell Something Has Changed.

O my.