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Yes, you can rescue a squirrel from your pool using a skimmer, pool float, or Skamper-Ramp. Squirrels are excellent climbers but poor swimmers, and a pool with no escape route is a death trap for them. Eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) and fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) frequently fall into pools while jumping from overhanging branches. This guide covers how to rescue them safely, what equipment to keep on hand, and how to modify your pool to prevent future incidents.
Key Takeaways
- Approach quietly and use a pool skimmer or float to guide the squirrel to safety. Do not grab it directly.
- Install a Skamper-Ramp or FrogLog to give wildlife a permanent escape route from your pool.
- Trim overhanging branches at least 8 feet from the pool edge to prevent squirrels from falling in.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator after rescue if the squirrel appears injured, cold, or exhausted.
In This Guide
Prevention: Keep Squirrels Out of Your Pool
The best rescue is the one that never happens. Squirrels enter pools for two reasons: they fall from overhanging branches, or they are attracted to the water source and slip in. Prevention is straightforward:
- Trim tree branches at least 8 feet from the pool edge. This eliminates the most common entry route.
- Install a Skamper-Ramp or FrogLog at the water’s edge. These floating ramps give wildlife a way to climb out on their own.
- Cover the pool when not in use, especially overnight and during early morning when squirrels are most active.
- Secure garbage cans and remove bird feeders near the pool area to reduce squirrel traffic.
Rescue Equipment to Keep on Hand
Keep these items in an easily accessible spot near your pool. When a squirrel is in distress, you will not have time to search for supplies.
- Heavy-duty gloves (leather or thick rubber) to protect against bites and scratches.
- Pool skimmer or leaf net for gently scooping the squirrel out of the water.
- Sturdy pet carrier or cardboard box with ventilation holes for transport.
- Clean towels for drying and warming the animal after rescue.
- Floating ramp or pool float as a backup rescue tool.
Emergency Rescue Steps
- Approach slowly and quietly. Do not run or shout. A panicked squirrel will swim in circles and exhaust itself faster. Move calmly to the edge of the pool.
- Extend a rescue tool to the squirrel. Use a pool skimmer, pool float, or a long branch. Let the squirrel grab onto it. Do not try to grab the squirrel with your hands a frightened squirrel can bite through gloves.
- Guide the squirrel to the shallow end or a ramp. If you have a Skamper-Ramp or FrogLog installed, guide the squirrel toward it. Otherwise, use the skimmer to gently lift the squirrel out of the water.
- Place the squirrel in a warm, dark container. Once rescued, put the squirrel in a pet carrier or box lined with a towel. Close the lid. The dark, quiet space helps reduce stress.
- Contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Even if the squirrel appears fine, pool water contains chlorine, salt, or other chemicals that can cause complications. A rehabilitator can assess the animal and provide proper care.
After Rescue Care
After rescue, the squirrel needs warmth and professional evaluation. Here is what to do while you wait for the wildlife rehabilitator:
- Keep the squirrel warm. Place a heating pad set to low under half of the container, or use a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Never apply direct heat.
- Do not handle the squirrel unnecessarily. Stress is the biggest killer of rescued wildlife. Keep the container in a quiet, dark room away from pets and children.
- Do not offer food or water. A stressed squirrel may choke or aspirate. Let the rehabilitator handle feeding.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after any contact. Squirrels can carry leptospirosis, salmonella, and other zoonotic diseases.
Pool Design Modifications for Wildlife Safety
| Modification | Cost | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Skamper-Ramp or FrogLog | $25 to $40 | Excellent |
| Pool cover (automatic or manual) | $200 to $3,000 | Excellent |
| Tree trimming (8 ft clearance) | $0 to $200 | Good |
| Lounge ledges at water level | $50 to $300 | Moderate |
| Knotted nylon ropes at water edge | $10 to $20 | Moderate |
For more information on humane squirrel control, read our squirrel trap guide and squirrel-proofing tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can a squirrel survive in a pool?
A squirrel can survive in pool water for 10 to 30 minutes before exhaustion or hypothermia sets in. Chlorinated water causes rapid heat loss. Without an escape route, most squirrels will drown within an hour.
Is it safe to swim in a pool after finding a dead squirrel?
No. Dead squirrels can carry bacteria, parasites, and diseases. Remove the animal with gloves, double-bag it, and shock the pool with chlorine. Wait 24 hours and test the water before swimming again.
Will a Skamper-Ramp work for other animals?
Yes. Skamper-Ramps and FrogLogs are designed for small mammals and amphibians. They work for squirrels, chipmunks, mice, frogs, and even small birds. They float at the water’s edge and provide a textured surface for climbing out.
Do squirrels intentionally jump into pools?
No. Squirrels do not intentionally jump into pools. They fall from overhanging branches, slip while trying to drink from the edge, or lose their footing on wet pool decks. Prevention through tree trimming and escape ramps eliminates nearly all accidental entries.
What should I do if a squirrel is in my pool skimmer?
Turn off the pump immediately. Open the skimmer basket and carefully lift the squirrel out with a towel or gloved hand. Place it in a ventilated container and contact a wildlife rehabilitator. Do not release the squirrel near the pool it may re-enter.
The Bottom Line
Rescuing a squirrel from your pool is a straightforward process when you have the right tools and know the steps. The most important thing you can do is install a Skamper-Ramp or FrogLog before an incident happens. These inexpensive devices let squirrels rescue themselves. If you do need to intervene, approach quietly, use a skimmer or float, and contact a wildlife rehabilitator afterward. A few minutes of prevention today saves you from a stressful rescue tomorrow.
