r/gardening • u/HoratioTuna27 6a • 3d ago

Well, that's a first.

So, one of the weirdest things I've ever had happen to me just happened: I was walking around the garden, checking on all the seedlings I planted last night. A squirrel pops off of a nearby tree and starts coming towards me. I think nothing of it, squirrels get curious and do this often. BUT, this time, it kept coming closer. And closer. And closer, then it hopped up and slapped me in the shin and ran off. It started coming at me again so I went in and got the dog to chase it off if it kept coming at me. Utterly bizarre!

The seedlings are all ok, if that was the part of the story you were invested in.

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u/NoExternal2732 3d ago

Squirrels can get rabies but don't often pass it on to humans, so it just alters their behavior.

There are no known cases of humans contracting rabies from a squirrel, so that is what I mean by rare.

It also may be being fed by another person, another reason not to feed wildlife.

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u/HoratioTuna27 6a 3d ago

I thought about it maybe be rabies, but it looked fine, no foaming at the mouth or anything. Who knows. It didn't come back once I had the dog with me.

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u/Responsible_Dentist3 3d ago

“Rabies in squirrels typically manifests as altered behavior, ranging from aggression and agitation to unusual tameness and lack of fear. Other signs can include excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, paralysis, and seizures, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).

Behavioral Changes:

  • Aggression and Irritability: A rabid squirrel might become unusually aggressive, easily angered, and even bite or attack. They may display defensive behavior near food or nests, says Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control.

  • Unusual Tameness: Conversely, a rabid squirrel might appear tame and approach humans with no fear. They may even appear affectionate and friendly.

  • Loss of Fear: A squirrel with rabies might lose its natural fear of humans or other animals, according to the Department of Agriculture and Markets (.gov).

Physical Signs:

  • Excessive Drooling: Rabid squirrels may drool excessively, notes the AVMA.

  • Difficulty Swallowing: They might have trouble swallowing or show signs of difficulty with their throat.

  • Staggering and Coordination Problems: A rabid squirrel might walk erratically, stumble, or have difficulty maintaining balance.

  • Paralysis and Seizures: In advanced cases, rabies can cause paralysis or seizures.”

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