Squirrel Not Moving But Breathing? Here’s What to Do

Paul West/ Pet And Wildlife Care

Stumbling upon a squirrel that’s not moving, yet clearly breathing, can be a puzzling sight. Your first thought might be concern – is the little critter okay? In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this behavior and what it could mean for the squirrel’s health.

Understanding wildlife behaviors is key to ensuring their safety and your peace of mind. We’ll guide you through the steps to determine if intervention is needed or if nature should take its course. Keep reading to become more informed about these furry friends in your backyard.

Signs of a Non-Moving Squirrel

When you spot a squirrel that’s not moving but is clearly alive, it’s crucial to assess the situation carefully. Look for signs of visible breathing, such as the subtle rising and falling of its chest. Non-movement doesn’t necessarily imply injury or illness; sometimes squirrels enter states of rest or torpor to conserve energy.

A lethargic squirrel may exhibit:

• Limited or no response to external stimuli
• A tucked-in position often indicative of rest
• Eyes closed or half-open in a seemingly sleepy state

Squirrels lying in unusual places, like open lawns rather than tucked away in trees, might suggest distress. However, don’t rush to conclusions—determine if there are any apparent wounds or signs of pain, such as whimpering sounds or uneven breathing patterns.

Temperature plays a significant role in squirrel behavior. In the colder seasons, these creatures reduce their activity significantly and could appear immobile, conserving energy to maintain warmth. Conversely, during peak heat times, squirrels might sprawl out on cool surfaces to regulate their body temperature. Here’s a quick reference for the various states you might find a squirrel in:

Season	Activity Level	Expected Behavior
Winter	Reduced	Conservation of Energy
Summer	Varied	Heat Regulation Efforts
Spring	High	Nest Building, Foraging
Fall	High	Food Gathering, Nesting

If a squirrel hasn’t moved for an extended period, observe whether there’s any twitching or small movements indicating a dream state. Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep in squirrels can sometimes be mistaken for a health issue.

Ensure you’re keeping a safe distance to avoid stressing the animal further. If the squirrel is in a vulnerable spot like a busy pathway or an area with predators, you might consider contacting a wildlife professional for guidance. Remember, your primary goal is to protect the creature without causing additional distress.

Reasons Why a Squirrel May Not Be Moving

When you come across a squirrel that’s not moving but is breathing, several reasons might explain this behavior. It’s crucial to consider these factors before jumping to conclusions or intervening.

Firstly, environmental stressors such as loud noises or the presence of predators can cause a squirrel to freeze in place. This natural defense mechanism reduces the likelihood of detection and allows the squirrel to assess the situation safely.

Squirrels also experience various physiological states, including torpor, a form of temporary hibernation that conserves energy during colder periods. While in this state, squirrels reduce their metabolic rate, and their body functions slow down significantly, leading to long stretches of inactivity.

Injuries or sickness can be another reason for a squirrel’s lack of movement. When hurt or ill, these creatures may find a secluded spot to rest and recuperate. Look for signs of visible injuries or abnormalities like disorientation or labored breathing to determine if the animal is in distress.

Moreover, squirrels often remain motionless when in deep sleep. They might choose a spot that feels secure from potential threats and sleep heavily, especially after a taxing day of foraging or escape efforts.

Keep an eye out for subtle signs of life, such as minor twitches or the gentle rise and fall of the squirrel’s chest. These indicators suggest that the squirrel is alive and well, just in a resting state.

For your own safety and the welfare of the squirrel, never attempt to touch or move the animal without professional advice. In the event of apparent injury or illness, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center for expert guidance. Remember, while your instincts to help are noble, wildlife professionals are best suited to handle and care for injured animals.

Understanding Normal Squirrel Behavior

When you stumble upon a squirrel that’s not moving but still breathing, it’s essential to recognize the behaviors typical of these agile creatures. Squirrels are diurnal, meaning they’re most active during the daytime hours. Around sunrise and sunset, you’ll likely see them foraging for food, which primarily consists of nuts, seeds, and small insects.

In their natural habitat, squirrels engage in various activities:

• Chasing each other in a playful manner
• Building nests, known as dreys, in trees
• Storing food for later consumption

During the peak hours of daylight, however, squirrels may take a brief respite to conserve energy. This downtime, often mistaken for lethargy or illness, is usually a short period where the squirrel is less active but still alert to potential threats.

Their alertness is critical for survival. Squirrels have adapted to be highly sensitive to their surroundings. Quick, jerky movements or a sudden stillness can be part of their strategy to evade predators. If they sense danger, they may freeze. This natural instinct stops them from drawing attention to themselves and is often misunderstood as a sign of distress.

It’s also worth noting that squirrels exhibit seasonal differences in behavior. As the seasons change, food availability and weather conditions affect their activity levels. For example, during autumn, squirrels work tirelessly to gather and cache food, becoming less conspicuous as winter approaches and they rely on their stored provisions.

To better recognize if a squirrel’s behavior is normal or cause for concern, look for signs such as:

• Regular breathing patterns
• Responsive movement to loud noises or movement
• Occasional shifts in position

Understand that while they’re resting, squirrels may remain motionless for extended periods, especially if they’re in a safe, secluded spot away from the hustle and bustle.

Potential Health Issues for Non-Moving Squirrels

When you spot a squirrel that’s not moving but is breathing, there might be underlying health issues to consider. Squirrels are susceptible to various illnesses and injuries that could limit their mobility, and understanding these can guide you in assessing the situation.

Injuries are common in squirrels, often stemming from falls or encounters with predators. These injuries can range from mild sprains to severe fractures. Look for signs of visible wounds or awkward limb positions that could indicate a broken bone. Paralysis due to spinal injuries may also occur, which can explain why a squirrel remains motionless while still maintaining regular breathing patterns.

Diseases could affect squirrels too, with symptoms not always noticeable to an untrained eye. Squirrel pox is one disease that causes lethargy and can be fatal. Parasitic infections like mange, caused by mites, can lead to severe itching, hair loss, and eventually weakness. Rodent control poisons ingested by squirrels can cause internal bleeding and sluggish behavior.

If a squirrel does not react to external stimuli, this could suggest neurological issues. This includes traumatic brain injuries or the effects of consuming toxins. Environmental toxins such as lead in polluted areas might contribute to neurological dysfunction, leading to an impaired state of movement.

Lastly, dehydration or malnutrition may weaken a squirrel, especially during harsh climate conditions or when food is scarce. This state can lead to decreased activity levels and periods where they do not move, although they still breathe.

If you notice any of these symptoms or behaviors and are concerned about the health of the squirrel, it’s sensible to contact wildlife rescue organizations. They’re equipped to handle and rehabilitate injured or sick wildlife and can provide the necessary care for recovery.

Remember, never attempt to treat or handle the squirrel on your own as they can be carriers of diseases transmissible to humans and may react defensively when in distress.

What to Do If You Encounter a Non-Moving Squirrel

Discovering a squirrel that isn’t moving but is still breathing can be alarming. Your first step should be to observe at a safe distance. Give the squirrel space so you don’t worsen any potential injury or stress the animal further. Keep pets and children away to prevent any additional fright or harm to the squirrel.

Evaluate the situation before you leap into action. Look for signs of injury or illness: blood, visible wounds, a twisted limb, or twitching may indicate a critical condition. If there’s no evidence of physical injury, the squirrel might simply be resting or overheated.

If you believe the squirrel is injured or sick, it’s crucial to contact a professional wildlife rehabilitator immediately. These experts have the training and resources necessary to provide proper care. Don’t try to feed or water the squirrel; improper assistance can do more harm than good.

To locate a wildlife rehabilitator:

• Check online for local services through directories or animal welfare websites.
• Call your local animal control or a veterinarian for recommendations.
• Refer to the National Wildlife Rehabilitators Association or a similar organization for guidance.

While waiting for help, monitor the squirrel from a distance. Note any changes and relay this information to the professionals upon their arrival. Documentation is key; providing accurate details ensures the squirrel receives the best possible care.

Ensure your safety at all times. Remember, wild animals, even in distress, can become aggressive or carry diseases. Avoid touching or moving the squirrel without professional guidance. If you’re instructed to contain the animal, use gloves and a sturdy box with ventilation, but only if it’s absolutely necessary and you’re directed by a rehabilitator.

By taking these steps, you guarantee that the squirrel gets the help it needs while maintaining your safety and its best chance of recovery.

Conclusion

Remember, your careful observation can make all the difference for a squirrel that’s not moving yet still breathing. It’s essential to respect their space and avoid direct intervention unless you’re instructed by a wildlife expert. Should you notice signs of distress or injury, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional rehabilitator—they’re your best resource for ensuring the squirrel receives the care it needs. And while it might be tempting to offer food or water, it’s best to leave that decision to those with experience in wildlife care. Your role is vital in monitoring the squirrel and keeping a detailed account of its condition, but when it comes to intervention, trust the pros. Stay safe, stay observant, and know that your actions are contributing to the well-being of your local wildlife.