These are mainly predators, disease, parasites, vision loss and tooth loss. Squirrels are often infected by viral diseases such as squirrel pox. It spreads through insect bites and causes tumors to appear on their body.
Squirrel diseases are complex as European red squirrels can die because of squirrel pox, but grey squirrels are immune. In red squirrels, the virus can cause lesions, skin ulcers, and scabs. The lesions and scabs may also swell and discharge liquid. Squirrels infected by this virus will become extremely lethargic and will eventually die. Squirrels can become host to a series of parasites as well.
Ground squirrels , for instance, may become a victim of the flesh fly Neobellieria citellivora. Adult flesh flies can lay live larvae on the body of a ground squirrel.
The larva causes lethal myiasis in the squirrel. This means that the larvae settle down inside the skin of a squirrel and feed on its tissues. Infestation can last for 5 to 6 days, after which the ground squirrel dies. Squirrels are also infected by fleas and ticks, but this does not prove to be fatal for them. Other parasites that can infect a squirrel include single-celled coccidia. Parasites like trypanosomes can be found in their bloodstream, spinal fluid, and lymph.
Squirrels are also susceptible to flatworms and nematodes. Tooth loss can be very serious for squirrels.
A broken tooth or tooth loss can result in death due to starvation. Squirrels with broken teeth need treatment in order to survive. Without this, the tooth will not grow back normally. Squirrels can also suffer from a condition called Malocclusion , which causes improper alignment of their incisors. Malocclusion requires medical treatment and if a squirrel is unable to get it, then it will die.
This can be due to starvation or because the teeth end up penetrating through the skull or jaw of the squirrel. If you find a squirrel with a broken, misshapen tooth, then try and get in touch with a wildlife rehabilitator. As squirrels get older they sometimes start to lose their vision due to the formation of cataracts or as the result of eye infections. Healthy squirrels have excellent vision and depend upon their eyesight to spot predators.
While a blind or vision impaired squirrel can still successfully forage for food it becomes incredibly vulnerable to predators. Owls and hawks are their most prominent predators. Animals like weasels, foxes, and skunks will also prey on squirrels. Comparative longevity of pet dogs and humans: implications for gerontology research. Journal of Gerontology , 52A 3 : BB The urban bestiary: encountering the everyday wild. A field guide to mammals of North America 4th ed. Life span and reproductive longevity of the gray squirrel, Sciurus c.
Journal of Mammalogy , 56 2 : The illustrated encyclopedia of animals of America. London: Lorenz Books. Skip to content Squirrels are amazing creatures! Since squirrels can live for a fairly long time and cause damage when they nest in yards and attics , homeowners usually aren't pleased to see the pests.
In order to avoid the spread of disease or the hassle of finding a squirrel in the house , contact the experts at Trutech for removal at the first sign of activity. Testimonials Pay My Bill Jobs. Joseph Wildlife Control St. Toggle navigation. Squirrel Lifespan. How Long Do Squirrels Live? Squirrels in the House? Schedule squirrel removal
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