Originally Posted by
Lighten-Up
Hi Jpaylian,
All of us are unique, and can have interesting reactions to things. But do consider that this could be coincidental timing to something else going on in your body. Here are a few thoughts:
Many of us handle squirrels all the time. I have carried them in my shirt for months at a time, been bitten by accident and on purpose, and once had one drop from an overhead branch into my eye when I looked up. Ouch, I couldn't see for three days until that healed. I had one baby squirrel that just liked to rest with my finger inside it's mouth kind of like a pacifier. That was a little disconcerting, but it never caused anything. I've been bitten by many squirrel fleas too. None of that has caused any real harm, other than the obvious.
Is this the first up-close experience you have had with handling a squirrel? Because if you had any fears, conscious or unconscious, about touching or being touched by this unfamiliar wild animal, it is very possible that your body could react in a reaction like this, because hives can be triggered by stress. It would be normal to feel that way, so don't worry if you felt like that. The first time I was handed a squirrel, I ran for big heavy work gloves; as I had no understanding or experience with them and wanted to protect myself. It's natural. Now that I understand these sweet ones, I have come to love and respect them, and I kiss the babies when I can. In general they are very clean animals. I'm just writing this to give you some perspective in which to gauge your experience and figure out what you need to do.