They may be cute and furry, but an Oak Harbor woman learned this week that squirrels can also be a wee bit fierce.

Carol Barnes, the county’s long-time animal control officer, investigated her first squirrel-biting case. Barnes said a Boe Road resident had been keeping an eye on a squirrel that appeared to have “neurological problems,” causing its head to tilt to the side for the last few months.

The woman was concerned about the fuzzy creature and wanted to help. She got close to the sickly squirrel and reached down to pick it up, only to be bitten on the finger.

The woman went to the emergency room at Whidbey General Hospital, where she received a tetanus shot and antibiotics.

Barnes forwarded her report to the county health department, which is in charge of recording such “bite reports.” The county’s health officer didn’t return a call for comment.

“Don’t pick up squirrels,” Barnes advised.