Small rodents ALMOST never get rabies, but it is not impossible. However, it is true that there are no documented cases of squirrels transmitting rabies in the US.
I’ve accidentally caught many a squirrel while trapping for chipmunks. I can tell you from experience the chipmunks are more in the mood for hugs than the squirrels. They may not speak english, but their clucks and squawks on release are easily translatable into “I kill you! I kill you now!”
People forget that the critters are wild, they aren’t under contract to Disney. Keep your distance, take photos and leave them alone, especially the young ones.
Randy B Premium Member almost 10 years ago
Fortunately there was no butt-to-mouth contact.
artybee almost 10 years ago
Get rabies shot.
Prey almost 10 years ago
Squirrels are tree rats but this is a cartoon so hammy is ok.
Vet Premium Member almost 10 years ago
Smile…..you just been “squirreled”
David Rickard Premium Member almost 10 years ago
Hammy’s a face hugger? Better get your lungs x-rayed, dude
darkstripe almost 10 years ago
Small rodents ALMOST never get rabies, but it is not impossible. However, it is true that there are no documented cases of squirrels transmitting rabies in the US.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/07/10/science/q-a-rodents-and-rabies.html
Jessica_D almost 10 years ago
It would be more accurate to title this one: How to receive a Hammy Hug
David Rickard Premium Member almost 10 years ago
Squirrels may not carry rabies… but they definitely carry fleas, and those fleas sometimes carry bubonic plague—so don’t hug squirrels!
Boots at the Boar Premium Member almost 10 years ago
I’ve accidentally caught many a squirrel while trapping for chipmunks. I can tell you from experience the chipmunks are more in the mood for hugs than the squirrels. They may not speak english, but their clucks and squawks on release are easily translatable into “I kill you! I kill you now!”
hippogriff almost 10 years ago
sueamarlucan: All mammals can get rabies. Squirrels are mammals. Therefore squirrels can get rabies. Basic public health syllogism.
rekam Premium Member almost 10 years ago
Had a squirrel do just that in Golden Gate parkI just stood perfectly still so I wasn’t a threat..
dzw3030 almost 10 years ago
People forget that the critters are wild, they aren’t under contract to Disney. Keep your distance, take photos and leave them alone, especially the young ones.