You may be able to remove a dead squirrel with disposable gloves and a long-handled shovel. First check where it is and whether a person or pet had direct contact.
If it is in a public street, park, or shared space, report it to the responsible local agency instead of moving it yourself.
Pause Before You Pick It Up
Keep children and pets away. Do not touch the animal with bare hands. CDC advises keeping your distance from dead wildlife and calling animal control for help when needed.
If a person was bitten, scratched, or had saliva or tissue contact, follow the exposure steps below before disposal.
Also call when the carcass is in water, tangled in utilities, difficult to reach, or on public property. Local agencies divide responsibility differently.
Choose the Local Route
| Situation | Next step |
|---|---|
| Private property, no exposure, ordinary single carcass | Check local trash or animal-control instructions. |
| Public street, sidewalk, park, or facility | Report the exact location to the responsible agency. |
| Person or pet touched, mouthed, or was bitten | Contact public health, a clinician, or a veterinarian before disposal. |
Bag It Only When Local Rules Allow
If your local authority permits household trash, wear disposable gloves and use a long-handled shovel to place the carcass in a sturdy plastic bag.
Seal that bag inside a second bag, then place it in the outdoor trash container. Keep the tool away from your face and clothing.
Boulder County’s household guidance uses a shovel, double bagging, an outdoor container, gloves, and handwashing. Treat it as a local example.
After placing the double-bagged carcass in the outdoor trash, remove the gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Handle Possible Exposure First
If anyone was bitten, scratched, or got saliva or tissue into broken skin, eyes, nose, or mouth, wash the area promptly and contact public health.
The CDC rabies guidance says to wash possible exposure wounds for 15 minutes and obtain a risk assessment. Do not delay the call while disposing of the animal.
A general species pattern cannot decide an individual exposure. Your health department determines whether the circumstances call for testing or preventive care.
Wild rodents can carry other infections. CDC’s current tularemia guidance describes exposure through infected animal tissue, broken skin, and inhaled contaminated particles.
If a pet had contact, call your veterinarian before moving or discarding the carcass.