Squirrel Acting Strangely

[Kevinf2349]

Hello,

We live in Galveston County in Texas and we have squirrels that visit our live oak tree frequently. Usually they are very active (and very entertaining). Today while I was working in my yard I noticed a squirrel laying down on the top rail of the fence. Thinking it may have been stuck (as it sat there a long time) I went around the other side of the fence and touched it's foot. It moved along the fence but stayed there. It is still there and has been for hours now. Is this normal behaviour? I have tried to call local wildlife rescue but they are closed for the day. The recording said to call local police but I would rather not do that as they have much more important things to worry about. We are worried because we have a lot of cats that visit our yard (not our cats). I called a local vet and they advised me to call the wildlife folks.

Could it be rabid? Is it normal for squirrels to do this?

Regards
Kevin

[Shellysfriend]

Hi and welcome! No it’s definitely not normal for a wild squirrel to let someone come up to it except for a few rare instances. I wouldn’t worry about rabies as there’s never been a reported case in squirrel’s. Unfortunately the police won’t be of any help either in these cases. A lot of states do have lists of rehabers that can help usually. I’ve found them in Wisconsin through the Department of Natural Resources website. Not sure if another member here would have a list for your area?

[Shellysfriend]

For the short term could you place a few nuts or bird seed and possibly a jar lid of water out on the fence ahead of him a ways?

[Shellysfriend]

https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild...unty=Galveston
I’m attempting to post a link, looks like there is a few options

[Piston95]

Would you be able to update what happened in your situation? I live in the same area actually and found a squirrel with similar behavior today. I didn't touch it but got close and tapped on the fence just to see if I could get it to move and it wasn't.
I was not sure who to call because it wasn't actually at my residence it was a couple of houses down. I tried to let the homeowners know but they were not home.
Thanks

[supersquirrelgirl]

Hello Kevin and Piston,

Let me share squirrel behavior from our yard where many fox squirrels hang out. On hot days, they stretch out on the top rail of the fence dangling feet and rest for hours in deep sleep and don't move regardless of what I do. These squirrels know me and this backyard so they are completely relaxed with no worry. I leave the hose bib in back dripping and they use it like a drinking fountain. Eventually, the wake up to move around as normal.

We lived NW Houston many many years ago and it was hot and humid. Is today weather a hot day ??

Mr.SSG

[Piston95]

Thanks for the reply. The one i saw wasn't really laying. He was sitting up I could see the top of his head and top of his tail peaking out from the top of the fence and he was just sort of still there for a long time as we walked past him. Wasn't sure if he was having a seizure or something? I tapped on the fence near him just to see if he would move but he didn't. Not sure what's happened to him. He was not there when I walked past there later. Was curious about the OPs squirrel if it ended up doing ok.

[supersquirrelgirl]

Thanks for the reply. The one i saw wasn't really laying. He was sitting up I could see the top of his head and top of his tail peaking out from the top of the fence and he was just sort of still there for a long time as we walked past him. Wasn't sure if he was having a seizure or something? I tapped on the fence near him just to see if he would move but he didn't. Not sure what's happened to him. He was not there when I walked past there later. Was curious about the OPs squirrel if it ended up doing ok.

Sometimes I see them pop-up straight and freeze thinking there's something dangerous around. Motion is easy for predators to see so freezing is better (their thinking). Standing-up lets them hear and see better (again their thinking). We see that all the time when hawks fly over or dogs walk by on sidewalks. I guess when it reaches their fear level, out comes the barking alert and everyone jumps for the trees at once. Funny to watch. One squirrel jumped into the house (backdoor was open) and quickly panicked and run back out. When it comes to food, they do not get along but with the community alert, they are all best friends.

Mr.SSG