How to Retrieve a Squirrel From a Fireplace

A squirrel may use your roof to get to a nearby tree.

Squirrels often climb onto the roof of a house looking for food or as a way to get high into a tree for a meal. If your chimney is not covered, a squirrel may fall into your fireplace. A couple of tactics can help you successfully remove the creature without harming it or being harmed yourself. A squirrel that is stuck in your fireplace may not be visible if it hasn't fallen completely down the chimney. You may hear it scratching around in there and should take measures to remove it before it dies.

Things You'll Need

• Rope
• Weight
• Newspaper

Instructions

Chimney Removal

1. Lower a rope down the chimney and into the fireplace. A squirrel will use it climb back up the chimney and out onto the roof. Make sure your fireplace flue is open so that the rope can be lowered far enough. If needed, weigh the rope with a hammer or other similar object. Tie the rope to a stationary part of the chimney or roof so that it doesn't fall into the fireplace when the squirrel climbs it.

2. Leave the rope for several hours. It may take the squirrel a few attempts to get up the rope once he notices it. Wait for about 24 hours and then call animal control if the squirrel is still stuck. If it doesn't escape it will die in your chimney.

3. Cap your chimney on the roof. Once the squirrel is gone, cover your chimney with a chimney cap, which will prevent a squirrel from falling in again.

House Removal

1. Close all the doors to the room where the fireplace is located. If the squirrel has fallen all the way into the fireplace, it may not be able to get back up and will have to be removed through the house. Closing all the doors will keep it contained to one room, making it easier to get it out.

2. Cover all light sources with newspaper except for the window or door that you want the squirrel to leave through. This keeps the squirrel from getting confused and offers a clear way to escape. If you are using a window, remove the screen and open the curtains or blinds as far as possible.

3. Install and chimney cap. This will keep a squirrel from falling into your fireplace in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use a fire or smoke to get a squirrel out of your fireplace. This can kill the squirrel and then you will have to try and remove a dead animal from the fireplace, which is much more difficult.

• If you cannot get the squirrel out on your own, call your local animal control.

• Use caution around squirrels because they can carry rabies. Never pet or grab a wild squirrel.

References

• Wildlife Hotline: Coexisting With Gray Squirrels
• Wildlife Patrol: Squirrel Removal From Chimney
• Urban Wildlife Rescue: Squirrels