Bitten By Injured Squirrel

[macdonda]

Hi, I could use some advice. Yesterday, I noticed a squirrel moving in the bushes by a building where I work. When I looked down, I noticed it wasn't moving properly but wasn't sure what to do. Today, the squirrel was in the parking lot and it has a noticeable broken front right leg. Not thinking, I grabbed a cardboard box, and put him in. In the process, he bit me and drew a bit of blood. I took him home, put out some nuts/oats and water; he ate a lot, is quite friendly and is currently curled up in a fleece sweater having a nap. I called the humane society and they want me to call an animal control agent in the morning to bring it in, put it down and send it away for analysis to make sure it had no diseases/pathogens. I've never dealt with wild animals and (although naive), I expected him to get a bit of treatment and be released. I guess I have three questions:

Is the transmission of diesease/pathogens common from squirrel bites?
Is there any other options in terms of getting information about whether or not I need to see a doctor?
Is there an alternative to caring for the squirrel (i.e. for some $$, could I get a vet fix up the leg and release it into the wild)?

Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Frickster]

there are rehabbers in canada, but this squirrel most likely can be rehabbed. if you take him to the humane shelter they will kill him though. as far as diseases...it's not usually an issue. they aren't big enough to carry rabies and stuff...if something bit them with rabies, they're so small it would kill them. PLEASE wait until one of the rehabbers can get in touch with you to save this little angel!!!! i beg of you just to hang on to him a little longer!!! thankyou for helping him so far!

just for an fyi...one of my squirrels stopped breathing and i gave him cpr. he jumped up and bit a CHUNK off my lip. no problems though....not even a hint of infection.

[Frickster]

i'm going to repost this in the emergency section as well so hopefully someone will get to it faster...like i said...please hang on!!

[Jackie in Tampa]

Oo...did you already give your info, address etc.?:sanp3
Do not take the sq...:Love_Icon
Honest as I am sitting here, I have been bit hundreds of times...
It would be so unlikely for anything to be contracted through a sq bite!:shakehead
I can only comfort that thought for you.
There will be people on that can tell you Canadian law, and maybe help you with finding a vet/rehabber.
Good luck, and someone will behere soon:grouphug

[Buddy'sMom]

First, it is VERY VERY unusual for a squirrel to transmit diseases. The squirrel did not seek you out to bite, it was frightened and in pain, and you were there. You should wash the bite, but I would not be further worried about it if it was me.

The squirrel, on the other hand, needs medical attention. NOT euthanasia, but attention. I just located a list of Ontario rehabbers and will post it below. Please call whoever is close to you -- ASK first what they would do, if they would be able to care for a squirrel with a broken leg -- and NOT euthanize it (unless it was the case that the squirrel was too badly injured to recover).

The following information regarding wildlife rehabilitators in Ontario, Canada are from this website: http://www.tc.umn.edu/~devo0028/contactI.htm. I'm not sure if you're near any of them but I just thought I should inform you. When you say you're in Ontario, I hope it means Ontario, Canada. I have gotten confused when I've heard of Ottawa. I know there is Ottawa Canada and also Ottawa, Illinois.

Canada, Ontario..... 613-354-0264
Sue Meech, Napanee Humane Society
suemeech@ihorizons.net
Specialty: raccoons and skunks, Registered Nurse

Canada, Ontario (Kingston)..... 613-547-2197
Sharon David, licensed home wildlife rehabilitator
davids@psyc.queensu.ca
Wildlife Species: songbirds, waterfowl

Canada, Ontario, Southern region, Haldimand County (Nanticoke).....
905-776-5510
Debbie Dumelie Beacon (director), Beacon of Light Animal Rescue
http://www.freewebs.com/beaconoflight/
desert_angel66@hotmail.com
Wildlife Species: Small mammals, raccoons, birds, ungulates

Canada, Ontario (Ottawa)..... 613-828-2849
Kathy Nihei, Wild Bird Care Centre http://www.wildbirdcarecentre.org/
Specialty: database of admission statistics

Canada, Ontario (Ottawa area)
Heather Morlan
mamacoon@achilles.net

Canada, Ontario (Rockwood).... 519-856-4510
Judi Drake (President), S.O.A.R. (Songbirds Only Avian Rehabilitation)
http://wildliferehabber.com/
drake@sentex.net
Wildlife Species: songbirds

Canada, Ontario (Sarnia)..... 519-344-3229
Joan Biggs, For the Birds Rehabilitation Services <-- I can't find her website.
jbiggs@rivernet.net
Wildlife Species: songbirds

Canada, Ontario, Central region (Midland)..... 705-534-4350
Ontario SPCA Provincial Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
http://ontariospca.ca/
wildlife.midland@ospca.org
Wildlife Species: all
Specialties/Knowledge: Hotline (705-534-4350) with after-hours emergency service available.
Comments: Serves the entire province of Ontario through 25 Ontario SPCA.
Branches and over 30 affiliates, with a wildlife veterinarian on staff.
OMNR Authorized Wildlife Custodian; CWS permits. Extensive educational
information available on website.

Canada, Ontario, Southern region, Oxford County (Woodstock).....
519-539-5968
Michelle Ramier (rehabber), Fur and Feathers Wildlife Rescue Center
micsark@rogers.com
Wildlife Species: small mammals

Canada, Ontario, Southeast region, Ottawa County (North Gower).....
613-258-9480
Linda Laurus (permittee), Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
http://www.rideauwildlife.org/Rideau...y_content.html
rideauwildlife@ripnet.com
Wildlife Species: small mammals

Canada, Ontario, Southeast region, Waterloo Region (Kitchener-Waterloo)..... 519-745-4334
Angie Schoen (owner), TurtleHaven http://www.turtlehaven.org/
uros@sympatico.ca
Wildlife Species: Native turtles
Specialties/Knowledge: Working with injured turtles, offering medical treatment and rehab.

Canada, Ontario (Sprucedale)..... 705-685-7830
Mike McIntosh, Bear With Us Rehabilitation Center and Sanctuary for Bears
Wildlife Species:: Bears (rehabilitation of 77 cubs, translocation of 103 bears), lectures and video-slide presentations on bear behavior; specializing in behavioral needs of short and long term captive bears; bear conflict specialist; translocation of nuisance bears

Canada, Ontario, Stittsville (near Ottawa)..... 613-831-7868 (home) or 613-722-6521 x6657 (work)
Selena Walker, Volunteer Wildlife Network (home-based rehab)
Wildlife Species: specializing in bats and other small mammals

Canada, Ontario, Southern region, Essex County (Amherstburg).....
519-736-8172
Nancy Phillips (president), Wings Avian Rehabilitation Centre
http://www.wingsrehab.ca/
wings@mnsi.net
Wildlife Species: accept all wildlife
Specialties: raptors, water birds and passerines
Comments: wildlife accepted from Southwestern Ontario, Canada - Windsor and Essex County area.

Canada, Ontario, Southern region (Toronto)..... 416-631-0662
Nathalie Karvonen (Executive Director), Toronto Wildlife Centre
http://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/
Wildlife Species: Over 200 species have been treated at TWC
Specialties/Knowledge: Toronto Wildlife Centre's Wildlife Hotline (416-631-0662) handles approximately 30,000 calls per year from members of the public with various concerns about wildlife.
Comments: Toronto Wildlife Centre is a registered charity, and is one of the
largest wildlife rehabilitation centres in Canada with veterinarians on staff.

Canada, Ontario, Southwest region, Elgin County (St. Thomas).....
519-868-1937
Carol Clarke (Authorized Wildlife Custodian), Another Chance Wildlife Rehabilitation
anotherchance4u@hotmail.com
Wildlife Species: small animals
Specialties/Knowledge: education

Canada, Ontario (Utterson)..... 705-385-1488
Janice Enright, A Wing And A Prayer, Muskoka Centre for Wild Birds
jenright@primus.ca
Wildlife Species: loons and owls
Comments: active lecturer (NWRA symposiums) including
'Hand-raising and Naturalization of the Common Loon', ---Raptors---'Captive
Management', 'Restraint', 'Examination', 'Admission Procedures'; veterinary
technician

Canada, Ontario, Welland (Niagara Peninsula)..... 905-735-9556
Mary Catharine Kuruziak, House of Wildlife Rehab Center
mommacoon@email.com
Comments: fax 905-735-6885
Comments: experienced in the rehabilitation of injured/orphaned raccoons, small mammals, RVS; Accept animals from Niagara area; IWRC Provincial rep; OMNR Authorized Wildlife Custodian

[Buddy'sMom]

From the Emergency Thread, here is information that Tori posted:


Squirrels are very unlikely to carry rabies or any other pathogens that are transmitted through bites. Worst case scenario the bite could get infected like any other injury if not cleaned properly. Many rehabbers, myself included, have been bitten by the fuzzers that we love and have not sought medical attention and had no dire consequences.
A squirrel should not need to be put down due to a bite incident. Likely it would be put down due to the inconvienince of having to deal with it. Hopefully you can find a rehabber in that area or vet who can help the poor thing.

[squirrelsrule&bunniestoo]

When you take the squirrel to the rehabber, do NOT mention the bite! If the rehab centers in Canada are like the ones here, they would have no choice but to put the squirrel down and have it tested for rabies. The rehab center where I volunteer euthanizes any mammal that has bitten the finder, or even if a volunteer or staff member gets bitten by a rehab animal and has it tested for rabies. It is a rule to keep everyone safe. The chances of the squirrel having rabies is sooooooooooooooo slim though, I wouldn't worry at all unless he was acting weird.

[macdonda]

Thanks for all the info and advice (I'll appreciate more as well). I have contacted all of the rehabbers around the area and will hopefully find someone that can administer some treatment. I live across the street from a vet and am considering asking for her advice. Around the area of the bite, there is no swelling or redness.

[Sciurus1]

I can tell you that a Vet of 30 years experience told me, that tree squirrels do not give people diseases period!! The Vet told me I was more likely to give it mine, than it anything to me, no matter what. Cats though can cause problems with their bites, but not tree squirrels! All of the ones I rescued had no diseases, nor have I heard of one incident of such, since the year I have been on this board, of anyone contracting a disease or problem from being bitten by a squirrel, let alone every in my life. I hope you can find someone to care for it, it can be help if the break is in the right area, ad not to severely damaged tissue wise. A study I saw from S.D. on rabies, had tested squirrels over many years, that had bitten someone, to see if any had rabies, and 100 percent of them were found to be clear, no disease, nothing, all killed in vain, save what was learned from that was that tree squirrels are not a vector species for that disease. Perhaps then this might give you confidence that tree squirrels do not carry this disease. I sure hope so, sad to see another be put to death to retest what has been so very thoroughly tested already!

[Frickster]

i'm so glad you got back on and saw this post. HOWEVER...even though you live across the street from the vet...PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do not take this little one there without FIRST either going in WITHOUT the squirrel or calling to find out what their plan of action would be. even though vets are "animal doctors" they don't always doctor. lots don't have the experience with squirrels and will still euthanize. a rehabber is THE BEST bet.

[Mrs. Jack]

first time I got a blood drawn bite, I went in and got a tetanus shot. I was due for one anyway so I just said oh lalala I was feeding squirrels at the park I forget it's name lalalala.. and then I told the dr. I wouldn't get rabies, or other, then he looked it all up and told me that I wouldn't get rabies or other and I got my tetanus shot and went off to be bitten again... :D

[Sciurus1]

What Frickster shares here is correct. First ask if they have a number of a rehabber you can speak with by phone, then all you need do is ask what they do with non releasables, which is usually euthansia, in nearly all States, unless the animal be healed enough to use for educational purposes. A rehabber is the best best for an injured squirrel.

[Frickster]

how is the little patient today?

[Mitch]

[QUOTE=Buddy'sMom]

The squirrel, on the other hand, needs medical attention. NOT euthanasia, but attention. I just located a list of Ontario rehabbers and will post it below. Please call whoever is close to you -- ASK first what they would do, if they would be able to care for a squirrel with a broken leg -- and NOT euthanize it (unless it was the case that the squirrel was too badly injured to recover).

Canada, Ontario, Central region (Midland)..... 705-534-4350
Ontario SPCA Provincial Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
http://ontariospca.ca/
wildlife.midland@ospca.org
Wildlife Species: all
Specialties/Knowledge: Hotline (705-534-4350) with after-hours emergency service available.
Comments: Serves the entire province of Ontario through 25 Ontario SPCA.
Branches and over 30 affiliates, with a wildlife veterinarian on staff.
OMNR Authorized Wildlife Custodian; CWS permits. Extensive educational
information available on website.

This is where I was supposed to bring Chipper. (Not using her back legs) But, I refused because if they can't survive in the wild, they will euthanize them. I opted to find her a home who will care for the squirrel (like members of this forum). I would only send healthy squirrels there. I don't trust them. It's illegal to have one on top of that so I wouldn't trust their advice.
Just my opinion!
Good luck!
Michelle

[Buddy'sMom]

:goodpost Thanks for that information! It's always good to learn first hand what people have found from listed contacts.

Macdonda -- ask a lot of questions, then trust your instincts. If it doesn't sound right, we can try harder to find a good place to take the squirrel.

[Michele, I have heard separately from the member that is going to be Chipper's new foster mommy -- Chipper will be in VERY good hands!]

:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

[Carol]

Where are you located in Ontario? We recently had a lady from London, ON who found that a lot of rehabbers were full down this way, but she DID find one who took her squirrel and was going to release when ready...If you are near the London area it would be interesting if she could be put in contact with that other lady...??

I'm not a rehabber nor owner of a sq..:Love_Icon.but LOVE them so very much - I would hate to see this one put down...I know of people who've been bitten and not required any shots, just kept an eye on it for infection.

Have a hockey game today with my son, so may not be able to keep up with this thread...hope someone around her area can help and ASAP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mitch]

:goodpost Thanks for that information! It's always good to learn first hand what people have found from listed contacts.

[Michele, I have heard separately from the member that is going to be Chipper's new foster mommy -- Chipper will be in VERY good hands!]
:grouphug :Love_Icon :grouphug

I'm sure not all rehabers are like that but I just wanted to share my experience and what I'd heard about them.

I'm so greatful to that person! :bowdown She sounds awesome. I have a good feeling.
I really enjoy having her but my hands are full. :-( If I had no other animals, I would keep her for sure.
I'm leaving tomorrow morning. It'll be a small trip to her place.

[Buddy'sMom]

I'm sure not all rehabers are like that but I just wanted to share my experience and what I'd heard about them.

I'm so greatful to that person! :bowdown She sounds awesome. I have a good feeling.
I really enjoy having her but my hands are full. :-( If I had no other animals, I would keep her for sure.
I'm leaving tomorrow morning. It'll be a small trip to her place.
:thumbsup :thumbsup :thumbsup

macdonda -- :thinking Are you possibly near Mitch in Midland??? If not, are you near London? How's your squirrel doing (and your finger!)?