Why is the squirrel not moving but breathing？ A squirrel is not moving but breathing may seem like a strange sight, but there could be a few reasons for this behaviour. We will examine in this article some of the possible reasons why a squirrel might be still and breathing heavily. Is the squirrel ill, is it injured, or is it simply taking a break?
Table of Contents
1. The squirrel may be ill or injured.
Despite its inability to move much, a squirrel can still breathe even if it is sick or injured. The squirrel’s respiratory system is unaffected by illness or injury.
Squirrels may become ill or injured for several reasons. For example, the squirrel was hit by a car or contracted a disease. If you notice a squirrel that is not moving but breathing, you should leave it alone and call a wildlife rehabilitation center immediately.
2. The squirrel may be in shock.
A squirrel may be shocked by a traumatic event, such as being struck by a vehicle, which means that the squirrel’s body cannot function correctly. It may not be able to move, and it will not be able to function correctly. However, the squirrel will still have the ability to breathe.
You should leave a squirrel that is not moving but is breathing alone and call a wildlife rehabilitation center for assistance. The staff at the center will be able to help the squirrel recover from the shock and return to its natural habitat.
3. The squirrel may be hibernating.
As winter approaches, some squirrels will hibernate. They will sleep for long periods, and their body temperature will drop. Their heart rate will also slow down, but they will still be able to breathe.
When you observe a squirrel not moving but breathing, it is best to leave it alone. The squirrel is just asleep and will emerge when the weather warms up.
4. The squirrel may be playing dead.
When a squirrel feels threatened, it may play dead, which means that the squirrel will lie still and pretend to be dead. The squirrel’s heart rate will slow down, and it may not be able to move. However, the squirrel can still breathe.
If you see a squirrel that is not moving but breathing, it is best to leave it alone. This squirrel is simply protecting itself and will eventually move when it feels safe enough to do so.
5. The squirrel may be in a trance.
Occasionally, when a squirrel is in a deep sleep, it may enter into a trance-like state. In this state, the squirrel’s body is entirely still, and it may not be able to move. However, it will still be able to breathe.
When you see a squirrel that is not moving but breathing, it is best to leave it alone. The squirrel is simply asleep and will eventually awaken.
6. The squirrel may have died.
The squirrel may appear not to be moving but breathing when dead, which may occur if the squirrel has been struck by a car or deceased because of natural causes. You should call a wildlife rehabilitation center if you observe a squirrel not moving but breathing to determine whether or not the animal is dead.
Conclusion:
As we have seen, there are many reasons why a squirrel may not be moving but still breathing. Most of the time, there is no need to worry, as the squirrel is fine. However, it is best to contact a wildlife rehabilitation center if you are concerned about the animal’s welfare.
