Fly bots???

[Hotpoppies]

Ok. I know I can be a little paranoid and I watch too much squirrel content. I didn’t even know what a fly bot was until recently. A little back history…Pearl is our lovely inside outside baby fox squirrel. She’s roughly 6 month now. We live in Los Angeles where I hear these things aren’t common. Anyway. As Pearl has matured she’s spending more and more time in our backyard in her magnolia tree and the tress around the neighbors. She still comes inside to eat and sleep and cuddle when she’s exhausted of being a “squirrel” and wants some R and R. She’s healthy, clean, well fed, well watered, active and happy.
The other day during one of her inside visits she made a little yelp when we pet her back side. I could feel a little scab and figured she got into something. Today when she came inside I got a photo and now I’m paranoid it’s a fly bot. The skin is exposed around the wound and there’s another smaller wound next to it that she just wouldn’t let me take a picture of. She seems fine now letting me touch it…no yelping…she’s jumping around unfazed and is hungry and cuddly per usual. I was hoping you wizard experts could help diagnose by the photo and give advise on what to do???
Thanks in advance! I love this community!

[supersquirrelgirl]

is it swollen ?? Looks more like a bug bite or something. Around the center, look like fur is gone and skin is infected.

I'm in Norcal East Bay/TriValley. Could this be a snake bite ?? (small one )

[Hotpoppies]

is it swollen ?? Looks more like a bug bite or something. Around the center, look like fur is gone and skin is infected.

I'm in Norcal East Bay/TriValley. Could this be a snake bite ?? (small one )

Hey! Thank you! Gosh I can’t express how much this forum has helped me look after my little. It’s not swollen…it’s slightly raised in the way a wound would be. Like when the skin tries to heal itself and harder layers start to form. It’s curious that you said it may be a snakebite because I did mention and notice that there is a secondary little puncture that’s been healing over quite close to it.
We are in Los Angeles and I don’t really see many garden snakes around, but that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. I suppose I could just monitor it and if it is a fly bot, it will become very hard to miss identify in about a week??? The good news is, she seems to not be bothered by it at all anymore, and she has all the same spunk and energy we’ve come to know and love her for. Do you think it’s OK to just wait and see? I do not have a vet in our area that is open to seeing squirrels. Or rather I haven’t had to do a deep dive looking for one yet. Thanks so much for your thoughts on this much appreciated.

[supersquirrelgirl]

First be VERY careful with Vets in CA as its quite illegal to have pet squirrel. All my squirrels are wild foxes in the backyard, no pets.

Being in the lower butt is suspicious of small garter snake (not-poisonous). If a rattle snake, the bite site would be very swollen.

Pick up some betadine (any brand) at local pharmacy, dilute 1/4 teaspoon betadine to 1/4 cup water, and dab gently on wound with cotton pad a few times a day. Don't wipe off, just let it seep in. (betadine is dark red or brown)

It does not look like a bot fly at this time.

Mr.SSG

[Hotpoppies]

Thank you both so so much! Poor little baby! Thats why I haven’t poked around for a vet…I know that squirrels aren’t legal pets here…but gosh…I really would love to and probably should poke around “asking for a friend” type of call??? In case god forbid sometime she does indeed really need better help than I can give her?? Anyhow…you all are like my vet!!!! I’ll get that betadine today!!!! I’m so glad that it’s not open or infected looking so I’ll get on that asap! Appreciate you!!!
I hope she gave that little snake what for for biting her! A little squirrel slap on the side of the head!!! Ha!

[supersquirrelgirl]

Ok. Post updates.

Regarding a squirrel friendly Vet, I know there is a mobile Vet in the LA area that other TSB members have used. I also know another TSB member who goes to a Vet center in west LA region so there are some options.

In NorCal San Jose, there is Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley (WCSV) that was going to help me with one of my yard squirrels.

Main point is to check beforehand, so they do not confiscate the squirrel from you.

Mr.SSG