How Long Do Squirrels Live? Squirrels Lifespan

“How Long Do Squirrels Live?” is a common question asked by those curious about the lifespans of these agile creatures. Squirrels’ life cycle would be interesting because when I see these small rodents in my garden, I think about how their way of life will be and how long squirrels live. So I thought today we should talk about it, and we will discuss all squirrels living and their life cycle in this blog. 

How Long Do Squirrels Live?

There are almost seven types of squirrels in the animal world. Each specie has its habitat. Some live in forests or some in cities. After attempting many tests and gathering information, the average age found is approximate 5 to 10 years in the wild; this is an approximate age; every specie has its life span and life cycle, which also depends upon its diet. We will discuss every squirrel specie about its life cycle;

American Red Squirrels

American red squirrel or pine squirrel is the specie of tree squirrel. If we talk about their lifespan, the average age of these squirrels is around 3-5 years for adults, but they can live up to 10 years. But there is a slight difference between adult male and female red squirrels; males live slightly longer than females.

Baby Squirrel Age

Eastern Gray Squirrels 

Eastern gray squirrels or urban or suburban squirrels. Why did I say that? Because these squirrels are primarily found in urban or suburban areas and are mostly seen in human home gardens. These squirrels are familiar principally to humans. Although eastern gray squirrels are related to eastern North America, they are now found everywhere.

Now, if we talk about their lifespan, which is approximately six years of adults, and in the wild, lifespan is recorded as up to 12 years, but most die within six years. Among all the squirrels, this species is the only one that can have the highest lifespan. If you’re considering studying woodland animals, “How Long Do Squirrels Live?” would be an essential topic to explore.

Baby Squirrel

Southern Flying Squirrels

Southern flying squirrels are found all over the eastern United States; these squirrels are smaller than other species. They have special abilities for gliding. Flying squirrels glide from trees to trees, and these squirrels have recorded around 300 feet of glide. Flying squirrels in the wild can live an average age of around 5-6 years, maximum of 10 years. 

Are Squirrels Nocturnal?

Fox Squirrels

The answer to “How Long Do Squirrels Live?” can vary depending on the species and environmental conditions. Here is the detail of Foc Squirrel. Fox squirrel or eastern fox squirrel is the vast specie of tree squirrel, they are medium-sized squirrels. However, they can live and survive in forests and urban areas. They generally live between 3-4 years, in the wild, their maximum lifespan is around seven years. The life expectancy for female fox squirrels is generally around 12.6 years, and 8.6 years for males. For adults, life expectancy also depends upon food availability. 

What Do Wild Squirrels Eat?

Squirrel Lifespan in Captivity

The lifespan of squirrels in captivity is as follows;

1- Red Squirrels

Red squirrels’ life expectancy can reach up to 7 years at maximum, but they can live up to 10 years in captivity.

2- Gray Squirrels

The lifespan for adult gray squirrels is near about six years. The maximum age for gray squirrels in the wild is recorded as up to 12 years; in captivity, they can live up to 20 years. 

3- Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels have less lifespan compared to gray and red squirrels. They can live between 5-6 years in the wild and ten years in captivity.

4- Fox Squirrels

Fox squirrels can live up to 18 years in captivity.

Why is the Lifespan of Squirrels in Captivity More Than Wild?

In the wild, squirrels have to face challenges like fighting with wild animals, diseases, the danger of predators, and protecting babies from predators. So there are many challenges in the wild for them. The worst reason for their short life in the forests is dangerous diseases because when they fight with wild animals, they get many injuries. These injuries lead to harmful diseases like rabies, so there is less chance of surviving, and this is the main reason squirrels have a short life in the wild compared to captivity.

Many children, upon seeing squirrels at play, often wonder, “How Long Do Squirrels Live?” In captivity, they are kept with proper care and here they did not have to worry about anything, but in the wild, It has to face dangerous challenges. Here they get their proper diet with appropriate care and do not face any difficulty. In the wild, If they contract an illness, their chances of recovery are slim because they don’t have any doctors. But here in captivity, if they are suffering from any disease, they are treated immediately by doctors. So these are the reasons why squirrels get longer life in captivity than in the wild.

FAQs

Conclusion

While researching local wildlife, one of the frequently searched topics is “How Long Do Squirrels Live?” Squirrels have a short life cycle compared to other animals. Because they are the prey of many wild animals, and if they get caught by an animal, it becomes difficult for them to escape. Escaping from wild animals is the daily routine of squirrels. They fight against other animals to save the lives of their babies. But it is not the same in captivity. There, they don’t have any predators or have to fight with any animals; they only live their lives. They are getting their favorite food. What do they else want? I think their life is peaceful in captivity.

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