Viewer Discretion Advised
Was taking some shots of the squirrels checking out the 'new' Goodie Bowl I put out the other day, and was surprised to see there were several squirrels who showed up, appearing to be suffering from Warbles.
Every once in a while, we'll notice a squirrel or two with this condition, but it's been a while since I've seen one. And now we seem to have several. This scaredy cat fellow did his share of tail wagging and belly crawling when he spotted the "scary" Goodie Bowl, but eventually it got up the courage to hurry forward, grab a pecan and the rush off to enjoy it.
Part of the reason I feed the birds and critters is to give them a helping hand. Winters can be cold. Spring is when there is less food in nature because it hasn't grown yet. Summers can be really hot. And Fall is when our visitors need to start fattening up for winter. And on occasions like this, when one is sick, or injured, they need all the help they can get.
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What Are Warbles?
Warbles are the larval stage of botflies, specifically the larvae of the botfly species that infest small mammals, including squirrels. The adult botflies lay their eggs on the fur of the host animal. When the eggs come into contact with the warmth of the squirrel's body, they hatch into larvae, which then burrow into the skin, forming a raised, swollen bump known as a warble.
Viewer Discretion Advised
Was taking some shots of the squirrels checking out the 'new' Goodie Bowl I put out the other day, and was surprised to see there were several squirrels who showed up, appearing to be suffering from Warbles.
Every once in a while, we'll notice a squirrel or two with this condition, but it's been a while since I've seen one. And now we seem to have several. This scaredy cat fellow did his share of tail wagging and belly crawling when he spotted the "scary" Goodie Bowl, but eventually it got up the courage to hurry forward, grab a pecan and the rush off to enjoy it.
Part of the reason I feed the birds and critters is to give them a helping hand. Winters can be cold. Spring is when there is less food in nature because it hasn't grown yet. Summers can be really hot. And Fall is when our visitors need to start fattening up for winter. And on occasions like this, when one is sick, or injured, they need all the help they can get.
_____________________________________
What Are Warbles?
Warbles are the larval stage of botflies, specifically the larvae of the botfly species that infest small mammals, including squirrels. The adult botflies lay their eggs on the fur of the host animal. When the eggs come into contact with the warmth of the squirrel's body, they hatch into larvae, which then burrow into the skin, forming a raised, swollen bump known as a warble.