Yes, you can eat a squirrel even if it has warbles. While the sight of warbles, which are the larvae of botflies, can appear unsettling and unpleasant due to the localized swelling or abscesses they create under the skin, this condition does not spoil or contaminate the meat itself.
Understanding Warbles in Squirrels
Warbles are a common occurrence in squirrels, especially during late summer and fall. They are caused by the larvae of the Cuterebra botfly, also known as the rodent botfly. The female botfly lays its eggs near rodent burrows or paths, and the larvae then penetrate the host's skin. Once beneath the skin, they grow, forming a noticeable lump or cyst, which has a small breathing hole.
Despite their appearance, these larvae are typically confined to the subcutaneous tissue (just beneath the skin) and do not penetrate the muscle tissue or organs in a way that would render the meat unsafe for consumption. The presence of these parasites is a natural phenomenon in wildlife and does not indicate a diseased state that would make the animal's flesh harmful to humans.
What Warbles Are Not
It's important to differentiate warbles from other conditions that might affect wild game. Warbles are:
- Not a disease of the squirrel that spreads through the meat.
- Not a sign of spoilage that affects the taste or quality of the muscle tissue.
- Not harmful to humans if the meat is properly handled and cooked.
Identifying and Handling Warbled Squirrels
Hunters often encounter squirrels with warbles. Knowing how to identify and properly handle such an animal is key to utilizing the meat.
Appearance of Warbles
Warbles manifest as distinct lumps or swellings, usually on the squirrel's back, sides, or groin area. Each lump contains a single botfly larva and typically has a small, visible breathing hole. The size of these lumps can vary, growing larger as the larva matures.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Often on the back, sides, or groin. |
| Appearance | Distinct lumps or swellings under the skin. |
| Size | Can range from pea-sized to a small grape. |
| Core | Contains a single botfly larva with a breathing hole. |
Field Dressing and Preparation
When preparing a squirrel with warbles, the process is straightforward:
- Skinning: Carefully skin the squirrel. As you do, the warble cysts will become clearly visible.
- Removal: The larvae are typically encased in a pocket of tissue. You can easily cut out the entire cyst, including the larva, from the skin and surrounding subcutaneous tissue. This often involves simply cutting around the affected area.
- Inspection: After removing the warbles, inspect the remaining meat. It should appear clean and healthy. The presence of warbles does not compromise the muscle tissue itself.
- Disposal: Dispose of the warbles and affected skin properly, away from other animals.
Safety and Preparation Tips
While warbles don't spoil the meat, proper handling and cooking of all wild game are essential for food safety.
- Cleanliness: Always practice good hygiene when field dressing and preparing any wild game. Wash your hands thoroughly, and keep your tools and work surfaces clean.
- Remove Affected Areas: Though the meat isn't spoiled, it's customary and recommended to remove the localized areas where the warbles were present.
- Thorough Cooking: Cook all wild game, including squirrel, to an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to kill any potential bacteria or parasites that might be present in the meat itself, unrelated to warbles. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Reputable Sources for Wild Game Preparation: For comprehensive guides on safely handling and preparing wild game, consult resources from state wildlife agencies or university extension services, such as those provided by the Pennsylvania Game Commission or Purdue University Extension.
In conclusion, encountering warbles on a squirrel should not deter you from harvesting and consuming the meat, provided you properly clean and cook it.
