Can squirrels be affected by mange?

[Recurve]

I saw a big fox squirrel today that was hairless on his upper back to his head. Last year I saw another one in the same condition, both in the winter. I'm assuming mange but don't know for sure. If true, can they survive and can it be transmitted to other animals?

[Coldwater Charters]

Since starting squirel hunting in 1971 I have seen several squirels with hair loss. Not sure what it was, was told it was mange. The last time I hunted squirels a few years ago The 2 we got both had exreme hair loss. You probably would too if you lived in a hole in the tree and chewed on nuts :).

[trappercarl]

thats sounds like mange. I probally killed 15-20 coons this year with it. carl

[boehr]

I can't remeber for sure if it is called mange but it is a condition just like manage and they can pass it on to other squirrels. It is cause by a little critter like mites that get into the fur which cause hair loss. Without hair for warmth the squirrels will likely die over the winter. Can't remember all the exact details, that's why they have biologists. :)

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Mange (also known as sarcoptic mange or scabies) can affect any mammal with fur. The condition is caused by a mite (a small arthropod) which burrows under the skin and lays it's eggs, which hatch and repeat the process. This burrowing causes terrible itching and helps to destroy the hair follicle. Usually these animals die of hypothermia during winter. Also, "ear mites" are not the same as "mange mites"; they are two different critters (there is another post concerning ear mites--I just wanted to clarify before anybody got concerned or panicked).
Diagnosis is made by scraping the skin and checking under a microsope for presence of the mite and/or eggs. The condition can be treated in domestic animals with insecticidal dips and shampoos, but it is best to have your pets avoid contact with infected animals. Hope this helps.