Wildlife

Urban Squirrel Welfare

Urban squirrels face mange vehicle collisions and habitat loss requiring coexistence approaches.

Key Facts

Evidence-based approaches to urban squirrel welfare inform welfare improvements globally
Animal welfare science provides tools to assess and improve conditions for all species
Individual consumer choices combined with advocacy create lasting systemic change
Every action to reduce animal suffering contributes to a more compassionate world

Welfare Considerations

Urban squirrel welfare is affected by mange mites causing severe skin disease, traffic mortality, and rodenticide poisoning. Squirrels demonstrate spatial memory, problem-solving, and social learning. Providing naturalistic habitat with trees and native plants supports urban squirrel welfare while reducing conflict with humans.

What You Can Do

Report mange-affected squirrels to wildlife rehabilitators
Plant native trees providing natural food sources for squirrels
Avoid second-generation rodenticides that kill squirrels and predators
Support urban wildlife corridor planning that reduces road mortality