Bots in head and face before and after (warning: gruesome photos)

[TubeDriver]

We have a wild yard squirrel who is a super tough, alpha type boy, absolutely fearless. He is a dirty-faced grey (dark face and paws) so we named him Dirty Harry. Dirty Harry showed up a while back and looked terrible with huge swelling on top of his head and on his cheek. There was oozing goo and matted hair and he looked scary. However, his eyes were not affected, he could eat just fine and his energy level remained high. I was 95% sure it was bots even though we almost never see bots where I live. I decided to just watch him closely and to not intervene unless it turned out not to be bots. A couple days ago, my wife who was feeding the wilds yelled out "OMG, Dirty Harry is here and he looks worse!" I ran over and saw a large bot actually wiggling out of Dirty Harry's head! He ran off after getting some treats and came back a minute later and the bot was gone. I actually walked out on my deck looking for the bot, figuring I could squish it and prevent future critters from getting bit but I could not find it. I hope he heals quickly and the bot in his cheek leaves soon.



Before bot exit.








One minute after bot exit.

[TubeDriver]

Just saw Dirty Harry a few minutes go. The head hole is closed and 95% of the swelling is gone. The cheek bot is still in place however, will probably take another week?

[stepnstone]

Yeah, your right but great shots!
Glad he's getting rid of them, heal fast DH.
Man! I can't even imagine (& don't want to) having something growing
on you like that and just going on about your daily business.
These guys are tough!
...I'd be carving the crap out of myself!

[Charley Chuckles]

I hate bot season, at my NUTHOUSE it's from June through late September😬
I had one that had a bot on its head this year, first time I ever saw that till I see yours
I'm with step, I really would be going crazy

[TubeDriver]

Dirty Harry is Bot free! He is recovering nicely and almost back to his usual handsome self. Look at his dirty little paws!







Here is the official calendar photo!

[HRT4SQRLS]

Happy to hear DH is better. Handsome as ever. Pete, the pics are awesome... disgusting but awesome.

I especially hate the ones on the face. I won’t ever forget seeing one emerge from Susie. I ran to get the camera and when I return it popped out with such force, it flew out and hit me in the chest. I don’t think the word appalled even comes close to my reaction.

[TubeDriver]

Happy to hear DH is better. Handsome as ever. Pete, the pics are awesome... disgusting but awesome.

I especially hate the ones on the face. I won’t ever forget seeing one emerge from Susie. I ran to get the camera and when I return it popped out with such force, it flew out and hit me in the chest. I don’t think the word appalled even comes close to my reaction.