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About Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I'm an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animals. Ask about natural history, behavior, ecology, evolution. PLEASE NOTE:

If you have found an "orphaned" wild animal or bird:
Please don't waste time asking questions on the internet, as the answers may come too late. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL, and DO NOT HANDLE IT unless it is in imminent danger. (Many wild "orphans" are not orphans at all!) If you are absolutely sure it is orphaned, keep it warm and quiet, and find a LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR HERE. Don't try to raise the baby yourself. Many a well-intentioned rescuer will do more harm than good, especially with baby birds and baby rabbits.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMALS
Without geographic location, time of day and habitat, I can't help. A clear picture is always best.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMAL SOUNDS
It's impossible for me to I.D. an animal call without hearing it myself.

COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS
I'm not an expert on comparative strengths of different animals (more complicated than you might think!) nor bite forces.

FIGHTING ANIMALS
I refuse to answer "Which of these two animals--X or X--would win in a fight?".

These hypothetical matchups range from impossible (Grizzly Bears and Gorillas don't even occupy the same continent.) to ridiculous (Someone asked me "Who would win a fight between a Great White Shark and a tiger?").

The vast majority of animals--even the fierce and powerful--are not as warlike as Homo sapiens, and it's childish to project our aggressiveness onto them.

Experience
I have been the fortunate caregiver to a group of Black-tailed Jackrabbits rescued from the Miami International Airport, and not releasable in this area because they are not native. I also have rehabbed and released Eastern Cottontails, and am in contact with many very experienced wildlife rescuers who regularly handle injured or orphaned rabbits and hares.

Organizations
House Rabbit Society

Publications
Exotic DVM journal

Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, with main areas of expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, and ecology.

 
   

You are here:  Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Wild Animals > squirrels

Wild Animals - squirrels


Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 10/25/2009

Question
QUESTION: I saw a squirrel carrying what appeared to be a dead rat, running across my front yard and up a tree.  Could this be right?  Do I need to worry about the squirrel being rabid (unusual behavior)?  I have young children at home, one of whom loves squirrels...
kathy

ANSWER: Dear Kathy,

Squirrels are adorable, but they are also omnivorous rodents who are opportunistic scavengers and predators.  They are not a danger to your children as long as the children don't molest them.  But they will raid bird nests, and if they can kill a rodent or other small mammal that's debilitated or trapped, they will.  They are sometimes carnivorous.

The squirrel is not likely rabid.  He's just doing what a provident squirrel should:  laying in some protein and fat for the winter months ahead.  Totally normal behavior.

Hope this helps set your mind at ease.

Dana

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response!  I found out this evening (before reading your e-mail) that our neighbors who used to feed the squirrels cashews (yes, really) stopped that practice recently.  Could that reduction of easy protein have prompted this?  Not that I want to blame my neighbors-I don't- just trying to get the full picture in my mind...
Kathy

Answer
Dear Kathy,

Sometimes even a squirrel who's full of nuts will take advantage of a protein meal.  So I wouldn't think the neighbors recent withdrawal of treats made the squirrel into a killer.

They're opportunistic predators all the time.  We just don't often see it.

Dana

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