Here's why you might think they're immune:
* They're often seen acting strangely: Rabies can cause behavioral changes in animals, leading to aggression, disorientation, and other unusual actions. Since squirrels are naturally quite active and energetic, their behavior might seem "off" even when they aren't sick.
* They're small: The rabies virus is typically spread through saliva. While squirrels can carry the virus, their small size and lower bite force make them less likely to transmit it compared to larger animals like dogs and bats.
However, it's important to remember:
* Squirrels can get rabies: If a squirrel shows signs of illness, like aggression, paralysis, or unusual behavior, it could be infected with rabies.
* Rabies is dangerous: Rabies is a fatal disease in humans and animals.
* Avoid contact: Never handle a wild squirrel, especially if it appears sick. If you see a squirrel acting strangely, report it to animal control.
Always exercise caution when encountering wild animals and remember that any mammal can carry rabies.