Brightly painted squirrels spotted in Connecticut neighborhood; officials warn of health risks

Two squirrels with bright, artificial coloring were seen scampering through a residential neighborhood in East Hartford, Connecticut, prompting an investigation by local animal control and warnings from animal-health experts about the risks of painting wildlife.

East Hartford Animal Control said on social media that a resident reported spotting one squirrel daubed blue and another splashed in red or pink. The animals appeared to be foraging and showed no obvious injuries, but officials appealed to the public for information about who may have painted them and urged people not to approach or attempt to capture the animals.

Photos circulated by the department show the two animals moving about a yard seemingly unaffected by the coloration. The social-media post drew hundreds of reactions, with many residents posting jokes and speculation about the motivation for the stunt. Several commenters likened the pair to fictional characters; others suggested it might be a prank or part of a private event. Animal control asked anyone with information to contact local authorities.

Officials and animal-welfare organizations cautioned that getting close enough to a wild squirrel to apply paint is potentially dangerous for both the human and the animal. Humane World for Animals told the department that approaching squirrels can lead to bites or scratches, and that squirrels—like other wildlife—can carry diseases such as salmonella and, more rarely, rabies. VCA Animal Hospitals and other veterinary sources note that many household paints and solvents can be toxic if ingested or absorbed through skin and fur, and that paint matting can impair an animal's ability to groom and regulate its temperature.

Veterinarians say the health risk from painted fur depends on the paint's ingredients and the extent of coverage. Water-based paints may pose less systemic toxicity than oil-based or solvent-containing products, but any paint that changes the texture of the fur can cause licking and ingestion during grooming. Ingested pigments, solvents and additives can cause gastrointestinal irritation, neurological signs or other systemic effects depending on dose and composition. Paint on fur also may reduce insulation and clog pores, increasing the animal's vulnerability to cold and parasites.

Animal experts emphasized that visible, superficial coloring does not guarantee the absence of internal harm. ‘‘Even if an animal looks unharmed, material on the fur can be routed into the digestive system when the animal grooms itself,’’ said a regional wildlife rehabilitator who asked not to be named. Wildlife rehabilitators generally recommend not attempting to wash or remove substances from an animal unless performed by trained professionals because handling can increase stress and the risk of injury.

Local authorities have not announced any suspect or motive and said the case remains under investigation. State and municipal animal-control officers routinely advise residents to report incidents involving wildlife to avoid escalation and to allow trained personnel to assess animal welfare. Anyone who spots wildlife that may be in distress or poses a public-safety concern is advised to contact local animal control or a licensed wildlife rehabilitation center rather than approaching the animal.

The incident raises broader questions about human interactions with urban wildlife and the unintended consequences of seemingly harmless pranks. Scientists and veterinarians who study wildlife health say interventions that alter an animal's appearance or behavior can have cascading effects on survival and well-being, and they urge the public to observe wild animals at a distance and to use legal, humane channels for reporting or rescuing wildlife.