What should you know about squirrel bite rabies?

Squirrels are not common rabies carriers, but an unusual animal, abnormal behaviour, or an exposure in an area where rabies occurs can change the assessment. A bite can also introduce ordinary bacteria into broken skin. The clinician may ask where the incident happened, whether the squirrel was behaving normally, whether it can be observed or tested, and whether saliva contacted the eyes, mouth, or an open wound.

Wash the wound immediately with running water and soap for a thorough period, then cover it with a clean dressing. Do not seal a deep wound with glue or attempt to catch the animal. Contact urgent medical care promptly for wound assessment, tetanus advice, infection prevention, and a rabies exposure decision. If safe, record the location and description of the squirrel for animal-control or public-health staff.

Seek urgent care today for any bite that breaks the skin, especially on the hand, face, or near a joint, or if bleeding continues. Go urgently if the wound becomes increasingly red, swollen, warm, painful, or produces discharge, or if you develop fever. Immediate assessment is also needed after saliva contacts an eye, mouth, or open cut. Ask about [Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/rabies-post-exposure-prophylaxis/) if exposure cannot be ruled out.

Ask whether the wound needs closure, antibiotics, or a tetanus booster; whether the animal can be evaluated; and whether [Rabies Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/rabies-vaccination/) is relevant to your exposure history.