Can Squirrels Get Rabies? (Understanding The Real Risk)

Many homeowners wonder “can squirrels get rabies” when they see unusual wildlife behavior around their home or yard. While squirrels are common in residential areas, the actual risk they pose when it comes to rabies is often misunderstood. Knowing the facts helps homeowners respond calmly, safely, and appropriately if they encounter a squirrel acting out of character.

• Common concern: Rabies fears often arise from misinformation.
• Low risk: Squirrels are rarely infected with rabies.
• Safety matters: Understanding behavior helps prevent unnecessary panic.

If you’ve encountered a squirrel behaving strangely or entering your home, this guide explains what you need to know and what it means for homeowners in Eden Prairie, MN, and surrounding areas.

What Rabies Is And How It Spreads

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the nervous system of mammals. It spreads primarily through saliva, most commonly via bites from infected animals. Once symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal, which is why potential exposure is taken seriously.

Not all animals carry rabies at the same rates. Certain wildlife species are considered high-risk carriers, while others rarely contract or transmit the virus. Understanding these differences is key to assessing real danger levels.

Animals Most Commonly Associated With Rabies

• Bats: One of the most common carriers in the United States.
• Raccoons: Frequently associated with rabies transmission.
• Skunks: High-risk wildlife species for rabies.
• Foxes: Known carriers in some regions.

Small rodents, including squirrels, fall into a much lower risk category.

Can Squirrels Carry Rabies At All?

Technically, squirrels can contract rabies, but documented cases are extremely rare. Health organizations consistently report that squirrels almost never test positive for rabies. Their size, behavior, and interactions with predators make sustained rabies transmission unlikely.

Squirrels are more often victims of rabid animals than carriers themselves. In most cases, a squirrel bitten by a rabid predator does not survive long enough to transmit the virus further. This significantly limits risk to humans.

Why Rabies In Squirrels Is So Rare

• High mortality: Squirrels usually die quickly after being attacked.
• Limited exposure: They avoid prolonged contact with predators.
• Biological resistance: Small rodents are inefficient rabies hosts.
• Lack of transmission chains: Rabies does not circulate among squirrel populations.

These factors explain why squirrels are not considered rabies vectors.

How Squirrel Behavior Is Often Misinterpreted

Homeowners sometimes mistake normal squirrel behavior for signs of rabies. Many behaviors that look alarming are actually unrelated to disease and instead reflect stress, injury, or seasonal activity. Knowing the difference helps prevent unnecessary fear.

During mating season or territorial disputes, squirrels may behave aggressively. Injuries from falls or predators can also cause disorientation that mimics illness.

Common Behaviors That Are Not Rabies

• Running in circles: Often caused by neurological injury or stress.
• Daytime activity: Squirrels are naturally active during daylight hours.
• Vocalization: Loud noises are common during mating or defense.
• Chasing behavior: Territorial disputes between squirrels.

Not every unusual action is a health threat, but caution is still important.

Signs That May Warrant Caution

Although rabies in squirrels is extremely rare, certain behaviors should never be ignored. These signs may indicate injury, illness, or exposure to another threat. Avoiding direct contact is always the safest approach.

If a squirrel shows multiple concerning behaviors at once, professional help should be contacted.

Warning Signs To Watch For

• Extreme aggression: Unprovoked biting or charging.
• Disorientation: Difficulty walking or loss of balance.
• Paralysis: Inability to move parts of the body.
• Excessive drooling: Unusual saliva production.

While these signs do not confirm rabies, they signal a serious problem.

5 Key Facts About Rabies And Squirrels

Understanding the reality behind rabies and squirrels helps homeowners make informed decisions. These facts clarify risk levels and outline appropriate responses when wildlife encounters occur.

1. Squirrels Are Not Rabies Vectors: Public health agencies do not consider squirrels rabies carriers due to extremely low infection rates.
2. No Documented Human Rabies Cases From Squirrels: There are no confirmed cases of humans contracting rabies from squirrels in the United States.
3. Predators Pose A Greater Risk: Rabies transmission is far more common from animals like raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes.
4. Bites Are Rare: Squirrels typically flee rather than attack, reducing exposure risk.
5. Fear Often Comes From Misinformation: Media stories and myths often exaggerate risks that are statistically negligible.

These facts help put concerns into perspective.

What To Do If You Are Bitten Or Scratched

Any bite or scratch from a wild animal should be taken seriously, regardless of rabies risk. Immediate action helps prevent infection and ensures proper medical evaluation.

Cleaning wounds promptly reduces the risk of secondary infections. Medical professionals can determine whether additional treatment is necessary.

Immediate Steps To Take

• Wash the wound: Use soap and warm water for several minutes.
• Apply antiseptic: Reduce bacterial infection risk.
• Seek medical advice: A healthcare provider can assess next steps.
• Report the incident: Local authorities may need to be notified.

Erring on the side of caution is always recommended.

Why Squirrels Enter Homes And Attics

Although rabies risk is low, squirrels inside homes create other serious concerns. Attics and wall voids provide warmth, safety, and nesting material, especially during colder months. Once inside, squirrels can cause extensive damage.

Understanding why squirrels enter homes helps homeowners focus on prevention rather than fear of disease.

Common Reasons Squirrels Enter Homes

• Shelter: Protection from weather and predators.
• Warmth: Attics provide stable temperatures.
• Nesting material: Insulation is ideal for nests.
• Food sources: Nearby bird feeders or gardens.

These issues pose far greater risk than rabies exposure.

Risks Associated With Indoor Squirrel Activity

Even without rabies, squirrels can create health and safety hazards when inside homes. Their chewing behavior and nesting habits often lead to costly repairs.

Electrical fires are one of the most serious risks, along with contamination from droppings and parasites.

Common Risks To Homes

• Fire hazards: Chewed wiring increases fire risk.
• Structural damage: Gnawed wood weakens framing.
• Insulation damage: Reduces energy efficiency.
• Health concerns: Droppings and parasites contaminate spaces.

These risks justify professional removal and exclusion.

How To Prevent Squirrel Encounters

Prevention focuses on exclusion, maintenance, and reducing attractants. Addressing vulnerabilities early helps avoid wildlife problems altogether.

Prevention Tips

• Seal entry points: Repair roof gaps, soffits, and vents.
• Trim branches: Keep trees away from rooflines.
• Secure food sources: Manage bird feeders carefully.
• Inspect regularly: Look for damage after storms.

Preventive steps protect both people and wildlife.

When To Call A Professional

If a squirrel enters your home or behaves aggressively, professional wildlife control is recommended. Trained experts can assess the situation safely and determine the best course of action.

Attempting to handle wildlife on your own increases injury risk. Professional removal ensures safety and proper exclusion.

Benefits Of Professional Squirrel Control

• Safe handling: Reduces bite or scratch risk.
• Accurate assessment: Determines cause of behavior.
• Proper removal: Protects both people and animals.
• Long-term prevention: Seals entry points to prevent return.

Prompt Action Pest Control provides expert squirrel control services for homeowners in Eden Prairie, MN, and surrounding areas.

Understanding The Real Risk

Knowing the truth about can squirrels get rabies helps homeowners respond calmly and responsibly to wildlife encounters. While rabies fears are common, the actual risk from squirrels is extremely low.

If squirrels are entering your home or causing damage, contact Prompt Action Pest Control today. Our team in Eden Prairie, MN, and surrounding areas will inspect your property, remove squirrels safely, and secure your home with proven solutions designed for long-term protection.