If you’re considering having a squirrel mounted (stuffed) for display, either as a taxidermy project or as part of your collection, the cost can vary widely depending on several factors. In this article, we'll break down the costs of getting a squirrel mounted, the process involved, and other important considerations.

What Does It Mean to Stuff a Squirrel?

"Stuffing" a squirrel, more accurately referred to as taxidermy, involves preserving the animal's body for display after it has been deceased. The process typically includes skinning the animal, cleaning the fur, and then mounting the body onto a form to recreate its natural shape and posture. The result is a preserved animal that retains its appearance for years.

Factors Influencing the Cost of Stuffing a Squirrel

The cost to stuff a squirrel can range from $100 to $500 or more, depending on various factors such as:

1. Taxidermist's Reputation and Experience

Experienced and well-known taxidermists often charge more for their services because of their expertise in the field. A highly skilled taxidermist will ensure that the finished product looks as lifelike as possible and will use high-quality materials, resulting in a more expensive final product.

2. Size and Type of Squirrel

While a standard squirrel mount might cost a certain amount, the price can change based on the type of squirrel (e.g., a grey squirrel vs. a flying squirrel) or whether the taxidermist needs to customize the form. Smaller animals tend to be less expensive to mount than larger ones because they require less material and time.

3. Mounting Style

The cost can also depend on how you want the squirrel mounted. Common mounting options include:

• Full Body Mount: This is the most common style, where the squirrel is mounted in a natural pose, either sitting, standing, or climbing.
• Head or Shoulder Mount: If you're only interested in displaying the squirrel's head or shoulders, this may cost less than a full-body mount.
• Action Pose: If you want the squirrel in a dynamic pose (like climbing a tree or holding an acorn), the price can be higher because it requires more time and skill to create the action-based pose.

4. Materials Used

High-quality materials will add to the overall cost. This includes:

• Form: The form is the mold onto which the skin is stretched. Some taxidermists will use pre-made forms, while others may need to create a custom form for a more accurate mount.
• Preservation Chemicals: The chemicals used to preserve the squirrel’s fur and skin also impact the price. Higher-end, longer-lasting preservation methods tend to cost more.

5. Shipping and Handling

If you're sending the squirrel to a taxidermist, especially one that’s far from your location, you’ll need to factor in shipping costs. Some taxidermists include shipping in their price, but others may charge extra for this service.

Average Cost for Stuffing a Squirrel

On average, the cost to stuff a squirrel ranges from $100 to $400. Here's a breakdown of possible costs:

• Basic Full Body Mount: $150 - $300
• Detailed Full Body Mount: $300 - $500 (or more for custom poses)
• Head/Shoulder Mount: $100 - $200
• Flying Squirrel Mount: $200 - $400 (or more depending on pose)
• Custom Poses: Additional $50 - $100+ depending on complexity

Additional Costs to Consider

• Delivery and Handling: If you're shipping the squirrel to a taxidermist, shipping and handling fees can range from $20 to $100, depending on the distance.
• Cleaning and Preparation: If the squirrel has not been properly prepared or stored, there might be additional cleaning fees to get it ready for the taxidermy process.
• Additional Work: If you request extra work, like adding a custom habitat or a more intricate base for display, expect the price to go up. For example, creating a custom environment for the squirrel to "sit" or "climb" could add $50 to $100 to the price.

Is It Worth It?

Whether or not it is worth the cost to stuff a squirrel depends on your personal preferences and what you're hoping to achieve with the mount. If you are a collector or have a sentimental attachment to a particular squirrel, then investing in taxidermy can be a great way to preserve that memory. Additionally, high-quality taxidermy can make a beautiful display for a wildlife enthusiast or as part of a larger collection.

Conclusion

The cost to stuff a squirrel can vary widely depending on factors such as the taxidermist's reputation, the type of squirrel, the mounting style, and additional work required. On average, you can expect to pay between $100 and $500 for a mounted squirrel, but prices can go higher for custom poses, high-end materials, or special requests.

If you're serious about getting a squirrel mounted, it’s worth doing research to find a reputable taxidermist and requesting quotes before committing to a service. By doing so, you can ensure that you get the best possible result within your budget.