Rabies is a severe viral disease that attacks the central nervous system of mammals, causing inflammation of the brain and death if untreated. The infection is transmitted through saliva, typically via a bite from an infected animal. Public concern is understandable when encountering common wildlife like squirrels. This article clarifies the risk and outlines appropriate steps following an encounter.
The Very Low Risk of Rabies in Squirrels
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently reports that the incidence of rabies in squirrels is remarkably low. Squirrels, along with other small rodents like mice, rats, and chipmunks, are rarely found to be infected with the virus. Public health surveillance data confirm this rarity, showing minimal reports of rabid squirrels across the United States.
Even when a squirrel exhibits strange or aggressive behavior, it is far more likely to be suffering from other ailments or injuries, such as head trauma, rather than rabies. For example, a study of rabies cases in rodents from 2011 to 2020 found only two rabid eastern grey squirrels out of over 6,000 tested. Health departments seldom recommend post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) after a squirrel bite unless highly unusual circumstances exist. No human case of rabies in the United States has ever been traced back to a squirrel.
Why Squirrels Are Not Primary Carriers
The low risk of rabies in squirrels is rooted in biological and behavioral factors. Squirrels are not reservoir species; they are incapable of maintaining and propagating the virus within their population over time. Primary reservoirs posing the highest risk of transmission are typically bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes.
For a squirrel to contract rabies, it must be bitten by one of these infected animals. Due to their small size, squirrels rarely survive a direct attack from a rabid predator long enough for the virus to incubate. They are often referred to as “dead-end hosts.”
Larger rodents, such as groundhogs and beavers, account for the vast majority of rabid rodent cases reported. Their size allows them to survive encounters with rabid mesocarnivores, unlike the smaller squirrel.
Immediate Steps After a Squirrel Encounter
Despite the low rabies risk, any break in the skin from a squirrel bite requires immediate attention. The first step is to thoroughly wash the wound area with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. This action flushes out potential pathogens, including the rabies virus and common bacteria.
After initial cleaning, seek medical attention from a healthcare provider. The primary medical concern following a squirrel bite is the risk of bacterial infections common in animal mouths, not rabies. The professional will evaluate the wound and may prescribe prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection.
They will also assess your tetanus vaccination status, as a booster shot may be necessary if it has been more than five years since your last vaccine. If the squirrel was acting abnormally, such as aggressive without provocation or paralyzed, contact your local health department or animal control. They will conduct a risk assessment to determine if post-exposure prophylaxis is warranted, though this is an uncommon recommendation for squirrel exposures.