Taxidermy, the art of preserving an animal's form, can be a rewarding hobby. Preserving a squirrel, with its delicate features and vibrant fur, presents a unique challenge, but with careful attention to detail, you can create a lasting tribute to this common but fascinating creature. This guide provides a step-by-step approach for beginners, emphasizing safety and best practices. Remember, always check your local regulations before undertaking any taxidermy project involving wild animals.
Essential Tools and Materials
Before you begin, gather these necessary supplies:
- Sharp Scalpel or Skinning Knife: A sharp blade is crucial for precise cuts and minimizing damage to the hide.
- Scissors: For trimming and cleaning.
- Tweezers: To meticulously remove fat and tissue.
- Borax or Cornmeal: For absorbing moisture and preventing decay.
- Preservative (Taxidermy Arsenical Soap or Borax Solution): Essential for preventing decomposition and preserving the hide.
- Measuring Tape: To accurately assess dimensions for form selection.
- Taxidermy Form (Squirrel Form): Choose a form that closely matches the size and posture of your squirrel.
- Artificial Eyes (Squirrel Eyes): Select eyes that match the squirrel's natural eye color.
- Sewing Needles and Strong Thread: For stitching the incisions.
- Wooden Dowel or Wire: For supporting the tail.
- Gloves: Protect your hands from bacteria and chemicals.
- Reference Photos: Extremely helpful for recreating the squirrel's natural pose and features.
Step-by-Step Taxidermy Process
1. Preparation:
- Properly Freezing: After ethically acquiring the squirrel (ensure it's legally permissible), freeze it to stop decomposition. This is crucial.
- Thawing: Thaw the squirrel completely in the refrigerator, allowing several hours. A rushed thaw can damage the hide.
2. Skinning:
- Initial Incisions: Make a small incision along the belly, from the bottom of the chin to the base of the tail. Be careful not to cut too deeply.
- Carefully Skinning: Use your fingers and the scalpel to separate the skin from the muscle and fat, working your way up the legs, head, and tail. Take your time; this is the most delicate part.
- Separating the Paws and Tail: Carefully work the skin around the paws and tail bones, separating the skin from the bone structure. Remember to preserve the claws.
- Removing the Head: Carefully skin the head, being extremely cautious near the eyes and nostrils.
3. Cleaning:
- Removing Fat and Tissue: Meticulously use tweezers and a dull instrument (like the back of your scalpel) to remove any remaining fat and muscle tissue from the skin. Thoroughness here is vital for preventing decomposition.
- Preservation: Apply taxidermy soap or a borax solution to the inside of the skin, ensuring all areas are treated.
4. Mounting:
- Fitting the Form: Carefully fit the squirrel's skin onto the taxidermy form, ensuring it's positioned correctly.
- Suturing: Stitch the incisions closed with strong thread and a needle, ensuring the stitches are neat and invisible.
- Positioning the Head: Carefully position the head, adjusting the eyes to the correct orientation.
- Tail Support: Insert the wooden dowel or wire into the tail to give it support and shape.
- Eyes: Secure the artificial eyes in place, matching their position to reference photos.
- Final Touches: Sculpt and shape the squirrel using cotton or similar filler material to recreate the body's natural form. Adjust the paws and tail to achieve a realistic pose.
5. Drying and Finishing:
- Drying: Allow the squirrel to dry completely in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and heat. This can take several weeks or even months, depending on the environment and the size of the squirrel.
- Final Adjustments: After drying, make any necessary final adjustments to the pose and features.
Safety and Ethical Considerations
- Safety First: Always use caution when handling sharp instruments.
- Legal Aspects: Ensure you have the proper permits and licenses for any wildlife you intend to taxidermy.
- Ethical Sourcing: It’s important to consider the ethical implications of acquiring specimens. If possible, use roadkill or specimens that have been legally and humanely obtained.
This guide offers a comprehensive overview; however, practical experience is essential. Consider taking a taxidermy course or finding a mentor to hone your skills. This detailed, step-by-step approach will help you successfully taxidermy a squirrel, creating a lasting and potentially beautiful piece of natural art. Remember, patience and attention to detail are critical for success.
