What to do if a squirrel attacks you?

Squirrel attacks on humans are rare but can happen if a squirrel is cornered, sick, protecting babies, or habituated to food and feels threatened. If a squirrel attacks you, stay calm and do not try to grab or corner it further. Back away slowly and give it an escape route, as most squirrels attack only when they feel trapped. Cover your face and hands if it jumps at you, because bites and scratches can occur. After the encounter, immediately wash any bite or scratch wound thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least five minutes, even if it seems minor, because squirrel bites can introduce bacteria that cause infection. Apply antiseptic and a clean bandage, and monitor for signs of infection like redness, swelling, or fever. While squirrels rarely carry rabies, they can carry other diseases and bacteria, so you should contact your doctor or urgent care for advice on whether you need a tetanus shot, antibiotics, or further treatment, especially if the bite is deep, on the face or hands, or if the squirrel behaved strangely like being unusually aggressive or tame. Report the incident to animal control if the squirrel appears sick. To prevent future attacks, do not feed squirrels by hand, keep food away, seal attics, and do not approach nests.