We have two gray squirrels in the yard that look normal except for the tails. Both have rat-like tails, that is, non-bushy but about the right length. One has a little fluff near the rump, the other none.

They might be just a little under-sized compared to the rest of the herd (or whatever you call a bunch of squirrels) but otherwise only the tail is odd.

This is a heavily wooded suburb in northwest Cook county. Any idea what we are seeing?

This is a common occurrence in squirrels. Hair loss in squirrels can be caused by mange or fungal disease. Mange is a disease caused by microscopic mites that burrow under the skin. The squirrel mange mite has been reported in both fox and gray squirrels. There have been no reports of this type of mange being transmitted to humans or domestic pets. Loss of hair, and dark, thickened skin are symptoms of mange in squirrels. Mange can be spread by direct contact between squirrels. Adult squirrels in good condition typically survive mild infestations, but severe infestations are often fatal. Additionally, infected squirrels with a lot of hair loss may die of exposure during the winter. Another possible cause of hair loss in squirrels is fungal disease. This is likely what you are observing with the squirrels. A variety of fungal diseases affect squirrels. The fur of infected squirrels will break off at the skin leaving patches of skin that appear to be bare. Otherwise healthy squirrels will recover from fungal infections.

we have two squirrels in our yard with these kind of tails that have no hair. thks for your post to help us figure out what is wrong with them. we now want them off of our property & will trap them live & take them away.oo

Check with your local wildlife biologist on how to legally trap them. I'm not familiar with the regulations in Pennsylvania. Also, if the squirrels are going to be trapped, they should not be released elsewhere. That will only serve to possibly infect the squirrel population elsewhere.

I just noticed two of my squirrels who have this problem. This is probably an odd question but is there anything I can put out for them to eat - maybe a natural product-,that might help them? I can't imagine trapping them to move them.....or calling a biologist. I know what our game wardens here would do with them. No way. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Thank you.

No, they can regrow the fur without any treatment. It just takes time. If you normally feed them, keep doing so. If you don't, don't start.