Dead Squirrel in Your Yard (What to Do and How to Handle?)

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You step outside to enjoy your yard and notice a lifeless squirrel lying on the ground. What should you do? Finding a dead squirrel in your yard can be an unpleasant surprise, but it’s important to handle the situation properly. Not only can dead animals pose health risks, but they can also attract other unwanted critters to your property.

There are a few different options for dealing with a dead squirrel in your yard. You could scoop it up and toss it in the trash or bury it somewhere in your yard. But before you take any action, it’s important to determine why the squirrel died in the first place. Diseases, viruses, and predators are just a few possible causes. By identifying the cause of death, you can take steps to prevent future squirrel fatalities in your yard.

Finding a Dead Squirrel in Your Yard

Discovering a dead squirrel in your yard can be a disturbing experience. However, it is not uncommon to find dead squirrels in your yard, especially if you live in an area where squirrels are common. Squirrels are susceptible to sudden death due to natural causes, and it is not always easy to determine the cause of their death.

If you find a dead squirrel in your yard, it is essential to handle the situation carefully. Dead squirrels can carry diseases and parasites that can be harmful to humans and pets. Here are some tips on what to do if you find a dead squirrel in your yard:

• Keep Children and Pets Clear: It is crucial to keep your children and pets away from the dead squirrel. They can contract diseases or parasites from the dead animal.
• Determine if the Squirrel is Dead: Before you touch the squirrel, make sure that it is dead. You can do this by observing its breathing or by gently poking it with a stick.
• Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves and a face mask when handling a dead squirrel to protect yourself from diseases and parasites.
• Dispose of the Dead Body: Once you have confirmed that the squirrel is dead, you need to dispose of the body. You can do this by placing it in a plastic bag and disposing of it in the trash. Alternatively, you can bury the squirrel in your yard, away from any areas where your pets or children play.
• Clean the Area: After disposing of the dead squirrel, it is essential to clean the area where you found it. Use a disinfectant to clean the area thoroughly and prevent the spread of diseases and parasites.

It is worth noting that dead squirrels in your yard could be a sign of backyard pests. If you notice an increase in dead squirrels or other animals in your yard, it could be a sign of a pest infestation. In this case, it is best to contact a pest control professional to help you identify and eliminate the problem.

How to Handle a Dead Squirrel in Your Yard

Finding a dead squirrel in your yard can be an unpleasant experience. However, it is important to handle the situation appropriately to prevent the spread of disease and maintain sanitation in your yard. Here are some tips on how to handle a dead squirrel in your yard:

1. Avoid touching the dead squirrel with your bare hands. Wear protective gloves before handling the carcass to prevent the spread of diseases.
2. Determine if the squirrel died of natural causes or if it was killed by a predator or hit by a car. If it was killed by a predator or hit by a car, it is best to contact your local animal control or wildlife removal services to dispose of the body.
3. If the squirrel died of natural causes, you can bury the squirrel in your yard. Dig a hole at least 3 feet deep and place the squirrel in the hole. Cover the hole with soil and mark the spot with a rock or other marker.
4. If burying the squirrel is not an option, you can put the squirrel in a secure plastic bag and dispose of it in the trash. However, be sure to check with your local sanitation services to see if they have any specific guidelines for disposing of dead animals.
5. After handling the dead squirrel, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent the spread of diseases.

It is important to note that dead squirrels in your yard aren’t necessarily something to be concerned about. Squirrels are common in many areas, and sudden death in squirrels is not uncommon. However, if you find dead squirrels frequently, it may be a sign of a larger issue, such as a disease outbreak or a predator in the area.

Disposing of a Dead Squirrel

Finding a dead squirrel in your yard can be an unpleasant experience. But disposing of the body is important to prevent the spread of disease and to keep your yard clean. Here are some ways to dispose of a dead squirrel:

Burying a Dead Squirrel

Burying a dead squirrel is a simple and effective way to dispose of the body. Dig a hole that is at least 2 feet deep and place the body in it. Cover the body with dirt and add lime to help with decomposition. Make sure to bury the body away from any water sources or vegetable gardens.

Putting a Dead Squirrel in the Trash

Putting a dead squirrel in the trash is another option. However, some areas may not allow this, so it’s important to check with your local sanitation services. If it is allowed, place the body in a plastic bag and tie it securely. Put the bag in your trash can, and make sure the lid is tightly closed.

Calling Animal Control or Local Sanitation Services

If you don’t want to handle the body yourself, you can call animal control or your local sanitation services. They will be able to remove the body for you. Some wildlife removal services also offer dead animal removal.

It’s important to note that not all garbage collectors handle dead animals, so it’s best to check with them first. Additionally, it’s important to dispose of the body properly rather than leaving it in your yard. This can attract other animals and spread disease.

Avoiding Touching a Dead Squirrel

If you come across a dead squirrel in your yard, the most important thing to remember is to avoid touching it with your bare hands. Touching a dead squirrel can be dangerous and can spread diseases. Here are some steps you can take to avoid touching a dead squirrel.

Wearing Protective Gloves

Always wear protective gloves before handling a dead squirrel. This will help prevent the spread of diseases and protect you from any potential harm. Make sure the gloves fit well and are thick enough to prevent any punctures or tears.

Using a Shovel or Scoop

If you don’t have gloves, you can use a shovel or scoop to move the dead squirrel. This will help you avoid direct contact with the animal. Make sure to disinfect the shovel or scoop after use to prevent the spread of any diseases.

Placing the Squirrel in a Secure Plastic Bag

Once you have moved the dead squirrel, place it in a secure plastic bag. This will prevent any further contact with the animal and help contain any potential diseases. Make sure to tie the bag tightly and dispose of it properly.

Washing Your Hands and Sanitizing the Area

After handling a dead squirrel, it’s important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. This will help prevent the spread of any diseases. You should also sanitize the area where the dead squirrel was found to prevent any further contamination.