What should you know about squirrels and rabies?

Rabies spreads through infected saliva, usually through a bite or contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. Simply seeing, touching, or being near a squirrel is not an exposure. The animal’s behaviour, the country or area, the type of contact, and whether the animal can be observed all help determine next steps. A scratch that breaks skin also needs routine wound care because bacteria may enter it.

For a bite or scratch, wash the area thoroughly with soap and running water and apply a clean covering. Avoid handling an injured or unusually tame animal. Write down when and where contact happened, what body area was affected, and whether saliva touched an eye, mouth, or open wound. Contact a healthcare service promptly for wound care, tetanus review, and advice about rabies prevention.

Arrange same-day assessment for a bite, a scratch that breaks skin, or saliva contact with an open wound, eye, or mouth. Seek urgent help if there is heavy bleeding, numbness, reduced movement, or a wound on the face or hand. Return for care if redness, swelling, warmth, worsening pain, pus, or fever develops. A clinician can explain [Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/rabies-post-exposure-prophylaxis/) when indicated.

Ask how the contact is classified, whether tetanus protection is current, how to monitor the wound, and whether [Rabies Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/rabies-vaccination/) has any role.