Aggresive behavior

[puppetgal]

I was bit this morning by my guy. Hard. I was totally taken aback, he has never done this to me before. He usually will like nibble and scratch when we play. This was a full on chomp down bite on my index finger. Enough to draw blood on 2 sides even! I dont know where this behavior came from, hes never acted like that toward me at all. I do play with him every day and I do take him out he just jumps all over me and tries to bury things in my hair. Never has he acted out so aggressively toward me at all. Im truly baffled by this behavior. And given the moment I had to walk away. I was ready to put on my leather gloves and toss him out! I didnt. Hes still safe inside. But honestly if this is how its going to be going forward, he can go! I shouldnt have to be afraid of him and Im still not but I wont play with him if this is what will happen going forward. Hes peeing on everything too. I have a blanket in front of his cage and it was fairly wet with urine. I know hes frustrated and wants out, I can see it now. Im just at a loss. Hes NEVER done anything like that to me at all before. Where is this coming from? What did I do? or can I do?

[SammysMom]

Can you remind us of a few things. Is he a gray? How old is he? What does his diet consist of? Is he being released in the spring?

[Chickenlegs]

A lot could be going on. Spring comes to mind and accompanying hormones. The gentlest of squirrels can bite if you get in the way of something he/she wants, or it could be he just got carried away. He's a squirrel. Was a stash involved? If he's in the process of making his way to the trees, you can provide support through the winter and help him with release when the weather is warmer. Plenty of folks can get you through that bittersweet process. In the meantime SammysMom has some really helpful questions for you.

[puppetgal]

I believe he is a gray and hes roughly 5 months old? I found him at the end of August and he was just starting his covering with fur. I give him the goo balls rolled up with chips of walnuts. He also gets the squirrel blocks, veggies, apples and spoiled with nuts. So hes not hungry by any means. I do plan to release him in the spring but if I cant handle him either by touch or any means he will need to go sooner. I just cant believe he did this to me :( Im heartbroken by this



Can you remind us of a few things. Is he a gray? How old is he? What does his diet consist of? Is he being released in the spring?

[SammysMom]

First order of business is to stop giving him nuts. 1 nut after he eats all of his block and a good assortment of veggies from our good nutrition list is all he should have. You have yourself a squirrel. Biting is a behavior that they use. It is not personal and he didn't mean to harm you, but it is how they tell you they are upset. Please read the nutrition forum or you will end up with a very sick squirrel on your hands from all of those nuts.

[island rehabber]

Ditto sammysmom. His behavior is triggered by the fact that he is protecting his stash of nuts. the sweetest squirrel in the world will bite when nuts are involved. one per day before bedtime
and that's it. :)

[Nancy in New York]

Was he anywhere near food, when this bite happened? If they have nut in their mouth, or you get near some of their stash, this happens frequently where they become protective or THEIR food.

Please do not even consider tossing him out, that will be a death sentence this time of year.
What state are you located in?

When we overwinter we always risk the chance of them becoming "wild". Their hormones are kicking in, and while the cage seemed like a mansion at the time, it's like us being stuck in a bathroom size room for 6 months. Always a difficult choice whether to release on the young side or keep until spring. I always keep fall babies, but I also know the commitment. You have to get them fresh branches daily. You have to be creative with different ways of keeping him entertained.
There is a thread on here somewhere I will search as another member ask about how to keep them happy during their winter stay with us. They love stuffies, I usually try to get round ones about their size, they will roll around on them and play even when alone. Get tons of fleece for the cage, they love to rearrange their nest. What does he sleep in a squirrel box or a cube?

I saw his diet, and you HAVE to limit the nuts. He will be on the road to MBD in no time if this continues, not to scare you, but we see it almost daily, a squirrel that is fed too many nuts WILL develop MBD. In the wild they KNOW what to pick and chose for their body's needs. In captivity they know what they like and what we give them, they do not have a choice. If you give block and lots of leafy green veggies, that's his choice, and if he eats all that, and give him good portions, then he can have 1 nut.
Be mindful that their teeth grown fast. He will need hard nuts, something like black walnuts that they have to work on forever, or hickory nuts are excellent for their teeth. Give him a cuddle bone, and deer antlers, they have calcium and are great for teeth tool.

[puppetgal]

He wasnt around food. He was at the top of his cage and I just poked my finger in like I normally do to say goodbye before I go to work. I will clean his cage out again tonight getting rid of any of the stashes he has anywhere. I need to reiterate. I have plenty of fleece and he has plenty of toys. Usually when he wants to play he will attack the toy and thats a reminder to me or his way of telling me hey lets play! I will leave him alone for a bit. Maybe he will have calmed down by the time I get home. I am not going to play with a squirrel who wants to bite now :(

[Nancy in New York]

He wasnt around food. He was at the top of his cage and I just poked my finger in like I normally do to say goodbye before I go to work. I will clean his cage out again tonight getting rid of any of the stashes he has anywhere. I need to reiterate. I have plenty of fleece and he has plenty of toys. Usually when he wants to play he will attack the toy and thats a reminder to me or his way of telling me hey lets play! I will leave him alone for a bit. Maybe he will have calmed down by the time I get home. I am not going to play with a squirrel who wants to bite now :(

Could there have been a nut really close to where he was when you poked your finger in? All it takes sometimes, is a nut even under a cloth nearby for them to get protective. Usually with a squirrel that you can easily handle, they will not bite unless they get overly stimulated, or there's a nut involved. :dono
People have gotten bitten before and the squirrel forgets it 5 minutes later, and wants their lovins again. Don't let this deter you from playing, it's probably the only thing keeping his sanity. Perhaps you will have to use gloves from now on, just in case.

[puppetgal]

Thanks for all the input. Im hoping it doesnt happen again. I really love him. Its hard enough he did this to me and when the time comes to really release him, its going to tear me apart. This sudden attack tho, when not provoked has me baffled. His cage will get a thorough cleaning tonight and we will start fresh today. Hes my baby and I do love him to death. I hope he forgets about it. Thanks for all the input. No more nuts for him. In moderation only




Could there have been a nut really close to where he was when you poked your finger in? All it takes sometimes, is a nut even under a cloth nearby for them to get protective. Usually with a squirrel that you can easily handle, they will not bite unless they get overly stimulated, or there's a nut involved. :dono
People have gotten bitten before and the squirrel forgets it 5 minutes later, and wants their lovins again. Don't let this deter you from playing, it's probably the only thing keeping his sanity. Perhaps you will have to use gloves from now on, just in case.

[Nancy in New York]

Thanks for all the input. Im hoping it doesnt happen again. I really love him. Its hard enough he did this to me and when the time comes to really release him, its going to tear me apart. This sudden attack tho, when not provoked has me baffled. His cage will get a thorough cleaning tonight and we will start fresh today. Hes my baby and I do love him to death. I hope he forgets about it. Thanks for all the input. No more nuts for him. In moderation only

When our BABY does this to us, it hurts so much more mentally than the physical pain.
We know you love him, so does he. :tilt:Love_Icon

[Chickenlegs]

I'm really sorry you got bit. It HURTS but please realize it isn't personal. I have three I'm overwintering--and one that may stay or go--up to her. As sweet as they are I don't take liberties and I never assume they view things like I do. I'm fortunate that they've accepted me as part of their family--a distant deformed and not too bright cousin. Looks like your little man is growing up. If you notice testicles you need to be very respectful of his space. You can still play with him but if you need gloves, that's ok--he won't hold it against you. Personally, I don't put my fingers through bars into anybody's cage. That's their home and since they are easily startled, not a stretch to imagine a squirrel WOULD bite the hand that feeds him if that hand--or finger--intruded--even if it's intruded before. Same with nest boxes/cubes. I do reach into cubes to love on little heads--but if one day I get chomped, I know it's time to cut that out.

[TubeDriver]

There is some great advice here. The diet advice is critical. One nut per day as a treat. Lots of people here like to give 1-2 henry blocks in the morning, a leafy/vegetable salad for late lunch/dinner and then maybe a nut treat in the evening.


Squirrels do bite. Some bite more often, some less often. He does not hate you or anything like that, it is just a natural way for him to show you that he is mad or upset or just startled/afraid. He might be wilding up or he could be "hormoning up".

Please dont toss him out in the winter with no preparation, that would result in a slow and painful death for him.

[puppetgal]

I do it all the time, stick my fingers in his cage anyway. There are times Im too busy but hes right there and I want him to know that I acknowlegde him. He does have testicles, quite large I might add. I know hes growing up and hes not mine, he never was. It was just really sudden to me. Hes never been so aggressive. When he has I immediately stop playing with him but hes never bitten down so hard. I mean this time it was painful bigtime and right on the knuckle :( I have calmed down since Ive left and hopefully he has too. I wouldnt be able to live with myself I did abide my sudden urge to toss him out. I need to set a schedule with him and stick to it. His jumping back and forth in his cage drives me nuts. He does it all the time and I dont have every minute of every day to play with him. I know what he wants and he does it to get my attention. He knows how to work me. He has plenty of stuffed toys his size to wrestle with. Other than the logs and chew stuff what else is suggested to give him to play? I wish he had a friend to play with. Another squirrel friend, but Hell sometimes I cant handle him!


I'm really sorry you got bit. It HURTS but please realize it isn't personal. I have three I'm overwintering--and one that may stay or go--up to her. As sweet as they are I don't take liberties and I never assume they view things like I do. I'm fortunate that they've accepted me as part of their family--a distant deformed and not too bright cousin. Looks like your little man is growing up. If you notice testicles you need to be very respectful of his space. You can still play with him but if you need gloves, that's ok--he won't hold it against you. Personally, I don't put my fingers through bars into anybody's cage. That's their home and since they are easily startled, not a stretch to imagine a squirrel WOULD bite the hand that feeds him if that hand--or finger--intruded--even if it's intruded before. Same with nest boxes/cubes. I do reach into cubes to love on little heads--but if one day I get chomped, I know it's time to cut that out.

[SammysMom]

Did you by any chance use anything that smells different? Like hand lotion or laundry detergent? Fabric softeners?

[CritterMom]

He is also maturing.

My squirrel likes to spend most of his time laying on his back in my lap getting his tummy rubbed, and he is just a sweetie...but he doesn't like having people mess with his cage when he is in it. I don't stick my fingers or hands in his cage. He will charge the bars and "grrr" and swat at me! But if I open the door and walk in (it is a BIG enclosure) he jumps right into my arms for his lovin. It is HIS cage, so I leave it the heck alone!

[puppetgal]

no nothing different at all. I will see how he is when I get home. Hopefully hes calmed down

Did you by any chance use anything that smells different? Like hand lotion or laundry detergent? Fabric softeners?

[SammysMom]

If you act like you always do, he probably will to. Where are you located in case he is wilding up and you might want someone from TSB to help with him?

[Baxied]

Don't toss him out. He needs to be acclimated to the outside world before being released. If he bites again you may have to modify the cage or get one in which you can feed him and clean it without having contact with him. I have had to do that. It is not ideal, but I have been bitten too many times by a few who wilded up, and it is just too much of a risk in my opinion. It is for your protection as well as his. If you have ever had a squirrel attach themselves to you and start REALLY biting (where they won't get off and you are pouring blood) the first instinct is to sling them which can cause fatal damage. I never want that to happen, so I just try to make sure that they don't have the opportunity to get their teeth into me at all. :grin2

[Sweet Simon's Mommy]

It may be time for him to go with other squirrels in a soft release environment, so he can learn how to be a squirrel. This is just what they do, sweet lovey then one day WHAM.
Releasing a single squirrel is very hard to do.

[farrelli]

Don't have time to read all the responses, but I assume that someone told you that they can go through stages, especially at this time of year when mating season starts up. From what I see here, they usually calm back down, eventually. For some it's a day, for others two months.

It may also not be hormonal. They are very sensitive to environmental factors and you really have to assess if you have changed ANYTHING. Change you shampoo or get a new appliance that makes a strange sound and you could be asking for it.

Also check for stashes of food, they will protect those with their lives. You need to clean them out, when they're not watching.

[puppetgal]

He has calmed down considerably. I was hesitant to put my hands anywhere near him but did. I do believe its hormonal too. Ive noticed when I do "wrestle" with him he kinda "humps" my arm o_O He does have some pretty prominent testicles. He was as glad to see me as I was him :) Hes surely in the wilding stage now..I have been reading things on overwintering him and how to keep him occupied and from becoming bored. There are some good ideas there. When I came home and walked over to his cage he immediately greeted me with his climbing upwards and then an attack on his little stuffed fish. Thats his way of telling me to play. And thats exactly what we did. We played and wrestled while I moved things around in his cage. I liked the idea of the sand or dirt so he can "hide" his stuff. I will limit his nut intake and get him to eat more healthy than just spoiling him. Spring will be here before I know it. I need to get him ready to go outside :( I dont know what spooked him earlier this morning but I wont take him for granted again. No more fingers poking into his space. Thank you everyone for the support and input. I dont think I would have made it this long with him without everyones help! :thankyou:thumbsup



Don't have time to read all the responses, but I assume that someone told you that they can go through stages, especially at this time of year when mating season starts up. From what I see here, they usually calm back down, eventually. For some it's a day, for others two months.

It may also not be hormonal. They are very sensitive to environmental factors and you really have to assess if you have changed ANYTHING. Change you shampoo or get a new appliance that makes a strange sound and you could be asking for it.

Also check for stashes of food, they will protect those with their lives. You need to clean them out, when they're not watching.

[puppetgal]

Im in Maryland. And so far so good. Hes back to his old sweet self. So far. Might be just a fluke that freaked him out.



If you act like you always do, he probably will to. Where are you located in case he is wilding up and you might want someone from TSB to help with him?

[SammysMom]

They do the weirdest thing! I am so glad he was good for you tonight. Now you are aware of the potential and you can be careful. Thank-you for giving him another chance. He does love you! :Love_Icon

[Chickenlegs]

Good to hear your boy is settling down. You're a good squirrel mommy. It takes a lot of patience to be a squirrel mom--and a few bites.

[Nancy in New York]

Im in Maryland. And so far so good. Hes back to his old sweet self. So far. Might be just a fluke that freaked him out.

Glad to hear this. :thumbsup

[Ziggyspal]

I'm so glad that your squirrel is more calm. I went through the same type of thing with my little guy at the beginning of December. It was such a shock since it was out of the blue. However, he calmed down quickly and has (mostly) been a very sweet guy. I think, in his case, it was a combinations of hormones and detergent smell on my hands ( I had been doing laundry). We have come an understanding....I love him dearly, but I respect his space and his moods. Don't give up and try not to take it personally. He still loves you. You're just dealing with a teenage male.:grin3