The wonders of denatured alcohol

Denatured alcohol, or methylated spirits, is a wonderful compound that has a wide variety of uses including fuel for camping stoves and as a paint stripper in a pinch. But it also serves many uses in the world of squirreling.

As an astringent

Submerging any part of a squirrel’s skin, including the tail, in denatured alcohol will cause the follicles to contract, locking in the squirrel fur.

As a cleanser

Can be used to kill bacteria, fleas, and ticks from squirrel pelt.

As a preservative

You can submerge squirrel pelts, tails, and limbs for a long time and remove them from the liquid for later preservation.

See How to preserve a squirrel tail.