Handling tree squirrels with a safe and efficient restraint

Abstract

The most desirable handling techniques consider the safety of the study organism and the researcher, maximize efficiency by minimizing handling times, and reduce costs. I detail a handling device for tree squirrels that is safe, efficient, inexpensive, and portable. The restraint has been used to handle >3,500 individuals of 7 species of tree squirrel with a mortality rate of <0.01%. The cloth device enables handling of tree squirrels with minimal mortality in the field.