Squirrel bite

[Ardy's mama]

Did you get my squirrel bite post?

[TubeDriver]

I don't see it, maybe try reposting it.



Did you get my squirrel bite post?

[Ardy's mama]

I raised a squirrel from age 2 weeks. He got sick at age 11 weeks and is well now but he is small. Best I can tell weights about 16 to 18 ounces. He is in an outside enclosure now adapting. There are other squirrels in my back yard. He has a house he loves and we can mount in the tree next to the enclosure. Do you think he is big enough and can adapt being raised as a single? He is 10 months old now. He has never bitten me before and climbs on me. Today he bit my finger for the first time. It's not deep but it did break skin. I cleaned it and put a bandaid on it with neosporin. Should I go to Dr at this point or just watch it?

[Diggie's Friend]

Hydrogen di-oxide liquid to flush and kill bacteria; then Neosporin pain formula is what I have used for squirrel bites that have drawn blood. I hope that helps!

Though more than old enough; whether he is big enough might or might not be an issue as to his being fit to release presently.

In some regions of the US where both the northern and southern subspecies of the E. Gray squirrel may inhabit the same area, it wouldn't be out of the norm om these regions where the larger northern and the smaller southern ssp. of the E. Gray cross over, to see both larger body sized and smaller body sized Gray squirrels living side by side. There are also genetic variations within a subspecies that occur that result in smaller than the average body size for the subspecies.

A small fraction of the population of E. grays have been found to be, 'Dwarfs' with body shape not just size different from that of the nominal form of the E. Gray Squirrel. These squirrels have been found to have a allot of health issues that should be then considered whether they are fit to release. For that those with experience in caring for them should be considered.

As shared, photos are needed to support recommendations as to your concern for this squirrel being fit to release.

[Spanky]

I raised a squirrel from age 2 weeks. He got sick at age 11 weeks and is well now but he is small. Best I can tell weights about 16 to 18 ounces. He is in an outside enclosure now adapting. There are other squirrels in my back yard. He has a house he loves and we can mount in the tree next to the enclosure. Do you think he is big enough and can adapt being raised as a single? He is 10 months old now. He has never bitten me before and climbs on me. Today he bit my finger for the first time. It's not deep but it did break skin. I cleaned it and put a bandaid on it with neosporin. Should I go to Dr at this point or just watch it?

No need to worry about anything extraordinary (e.g. diseases of any sort) with the squirrel bite. Treat it like any other puncture wound, keep it clean use the neosporin. You need to see a doctor only in the unlikely scenario that it gets infected.

Being smaller and a singleton should not impact his ability to adjust to the wild. Depending on how far north or south you are on the east coast, a 16 oz grey squirrel might be more average than not.

You'll want to open the outdoor enclosure after he has been out there 3 or 4 weeks. Just a small entryway about 3" around... big enough for him, but not big enough for cats, raccoons and the like to pass through. Taking his next box form his cage and putting it in the tree... well it removes it from the cage and you'll want to keep a box in the cage for his safe place should he need that. If at all possible, place a second box in the tree (or in the release cage if you put his primary box in the tree).

He is lucky to be released on your property with you to watch over his well-being.

[stepnstone]

I raised a squirrel from age 2 weeks. He got sick at age 11 weeks and is well now but he is small. Best I can tell weights about 16 to 18 ounces. He is in an outside enclosure now adapting. There are other squirrels in my back yard. He has a house he loves and we can mount in the tree next to the enclosure. Do you think he is big enough and can adapt being raised as a single? He is 10 months old now. He has never bitten me before and climbs on me. Today he bit my finger for the first time. It's not deep but it did break skin. I cleaned it and put a bandaid on it with neosporin. Should I go to Dr at this point or just watch it?

Neosporin, bandaid. You don't need a doctor...
He is big enough to transition.
I've raised many singles, some singles "may" take a little longer to adapt but they will adapt and do just fine.
Once outside their natural instincts start to take play and they can get testy and discover their teeth is a great defense.
Keep in mind that a squirrel does not have frontal vision and close up vision is not that precise for them due to the location
of their eyes being on the sides of their head.
Fingers often get mistaken for food when close up to their face.

[Diggie's Friend]

Correction, that is Hydrogen peroxide.:grin2

Best wishes on his release!