Massachusetts Wildlife Rehabilitator Practice Exam

While feeding an Eastern grey squirrel with a syringe, if the animal becomes fussy, what should you check first?

1. Is the formula too cold?

2. Is the formula too thick and should it be diluted?

3. Does the squirrel need to urinate or defecate?

4. Is the squirrel feeling unwell altogether?

The correct answer is: Is the squirrel feeling unwell altogether?

When feeding an Eastern grey squirrel and it becomes fussy, it's important to first consider its overall well-being. If the animal is exhibiting fussy behavior, it may indicate that it is unwell. Squirrels, like many animals, can refuse food or become agitated when they are in discomfort, sick, or experiencing pain. Assessing the health of the squirrel can help uncover underlying issues that may require attention, such as illness, injury, or infections that may not be immediately visible. If the squirrel is feeling unwell, it's crucial to address this issue before making adjustments to the feeding process, as a healthy feeding routine will not be effective if the animal is dealing with more serious health concerns. Checking for the animal's general health ensures that any potential underlying issues are identified promptly, allowing for appropriate care as needed. Other aspects like the temperature or consistency of the formula are also important, but they are secondary to ensuring that the animal is not experiencing significant health problems.