Don't Hunt for Your Dinner: California Warns Against Eating Wild Squirrels

For some, the idea of foraging or hunting for wild game might evoke a romanticized image of self-sufficiency. But when it comes to the bushy-tailed residents of California, state wildlife officials are issuing a resounding "don't even think about it." The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is strongly cautioning the public against consuming wild squirrels, citing a litany of serious health risks that far outweigh any perceived culinary benefits.

The primary concern revolves around the potential for zoonotic diseases—illnesses that can jump from animals to humans.

Squirrels, despite their seemingly innocuous demeanor, can carry a host of pathogens. Among the most alarming are diseases like plague (caused by Yersinia pestis) and tularemia (Francisella tularensis). These are not minor ailments; plague, famously, can be fatal if not treated promptly, and tularemia, often called "rabbit fever," can cause severe illness, including fever, skin ulcers, and swollen lymph nodes, and can be transmitted through direct contact or even by inhaling contaminated particles.

Beyond these severe bacterial infections, squirrels are also hosts to a variety of parasites.

Think fleas, ticks, and internal worms, all of which pose their own set of threats to human health. Handling or consuming infected animals can lead to parasitic infestations in humans or transfer disease-carrying vectors like fleas directly to pets and homes, creating further public health hazards.

And if diseases and parasites weren't enough, there's another hidden danger, particularly for those who might consider hunting squirrels: lead shot.

Even if an animal appears healthy and free of disease, lead fragments from ammunition can contaminate the meat, posing a significant risk of lead poisoning to anyone who consumes it. Lead is a potent neurotoxin, especially harmful to children and pregnant women, and its effects on the nervous system, kidneys, and blood can be devastating and irreversible.

The CDFW also underscores the legal ramifications.

Hunting squirrels in California isn't a free-for-all; it requires a valid hunting license, adherence to specific hunting seasons, and strict bag limits. Ignoring these regulations can lead to fines and legal penalties. Furthermore, even possessing squirrels not hunted within California's legal framework can fall under state regulations, emphasizing that the issue isn't just about health, but also about responsible wildlife management and conservation.

In general, the CDFW advises against consuming any wild game that appears sick, sluggish, or exhibits unusual growths or lesions.

While squirrels may have historically been a food source in various cultures, our modern understanding of disease transmission and environmental contaminants presents a compelling case for exercising extreme caution. In California, the message is clear: when it comes to squirrels, it's best to observe them from a distance and leave them to their natural habitat.

Your health, and the health of your community, depends on it.