Transporting an Injured Squirrel

                  If you have been asked to transport an injured squirrel to a wildlife rehabilitator there are a few simple steps to make the transport safe for both you and the squirrel.
   Adult gray squirrels have the potential to bite and inflict damage to a hand and have razor sharp claws. It is imperative that safety to the rescuer comes first!!
Squirrels are not "mean" nor vindictive".They simply are wild animals and when confronted , will defend themselves with their claws and teeth. An exception to this rule is eye closed very young infants whose teeth may not be developed . Young eye open juvenile squirrels can "nip" but usually are too small and weak . In any event take precaution and wear garden gloves to prevent any puncture wounds.You need to protect yourself from injury and the squirrel from further injury when rescuing an adult gray squirrel.

If the squirrel is immobilized and cannot run ,you can pick it up carefully with a shovel, rather than your hands. Take a box, and lay it on its side near the squirrel .Place a ravel free shirt or cloth inside and make sure there are air holes and with a shovel  gently "guide" the squirrel into the box .Once the squirrel is placed in the box,turn the box right side up and seal with duct tape so squirrel cannot escape.
A shovel is good tool to use because you do not have to pick up the squirrel with your hands-thus eliminating the risk of getting bitten. A squirrel will not chase after you but only will lunge or attack if cornered.

We  advise the public NOT to pick up adult squirrels with their hands .

WHEN TRANSPORTING:  DON'T FORGET !

Air conditioner-off ( unless oppressive heat)
Radio-off -Silence is golden
Heat- on ( in  winter)
Conversation- none
No feeding, no handling!
Know the shortest route to where you are driving.
 

For the animal's well being the four important aspects to consider are Silence,Warmth, and Darkness and Timing.
Warmth can be provided with a hot water bottle or micowavable heat pack. 
It may be tempting to comfort the squirrel with words or touch .PLEASE, do not.  Our wild counterparts interpret  voice or touch as predatorial which could then trigger fight or flight syndrome,seizures and even death.  
If the squirrel is in a box, make sure it is covered.

And figure out the quickest, quietest route to where you are bringing the animal.

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