It is not safe to feed or handle Atlanta squirrels with bare hands. Squirrels are wild animals, not pets, and should be treated as such. They have sharp claws and teeth, and their bite can be very painful. It is always advised to call a professional when faced with a squirrel infestation. Many people try to capture squirrels themselves but end up hurting the animal or themselves because they don’t have the right tools. You might think that you can use cages but technique is still important. A cage that is too big for the squirrel can be as dangerous as a small one. Leaving the captured animal too long in the cage can expose it to predators or cause it to die due to hunger. The animal can also injure itself trying to get out.



Squirrels also need to be handled based on their age group. Young squirrels called pinkies are very vulnerable and should be treated with care. Their motor skills are poor, and their ears and eyes are closed. They don’t have teeth but they have nails. If you need to carry a pinkie, wrap it in a soft dry cloth. Slightly older squirrels which are about 5-6 weeks old have open eyes, ears and a sparse tail. Their close up vision is not so good but they can defend themselves if threatened. If you need to hold them, wear gloves to protect yourself from fleas and parasites that the phoenix squirrel might be carrying. Older juvenile squirrels have teeth and resemble adults. They can scratch or bite you very easily. Use thick gloves and wear long sleeves if you need to handle them. Wash the towels and other equipment that you use in holding them. Boxes or cages should be used to capture adult Georgia squirrels. Children and pets shouldn’t be let around these squirrels as they can get bitten or catch infections from these wild animals. If you ever come in contact with a squirrel, always wash your hands with hot water and rinse with soap for at least 20 seconds. Trapping a squirrel is illegal in some states, so you need to be aware of the laws. If you do plan to cage a squirrel, use humane options. Traps like one-way door are good for capturing squirrels as they can get in but can’t get out. Such traps can be used in backyards and lawns too.

You need to be very careful when relocating Atlanta squirrels and they can become very aggressive. A scratch from a squirrel can leave a scar for lifetime. Their bite can reach as deep as your bones. In addition to mites and parasites, they are known to carry rabies in rare cases. Latex gloves are a good option to wear for protection around squirrels. Always dispose gloves and towels properly especially when picking up squirrels of their feces. If you manage to capture a squirrel, chances are it might be sick. Squirrels are feisty creatures and don’t get caught easily. So take extra caution is such cases, and the best option is always to hire a professional or at least consult one to avoid ending up in a big problem.

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