Squirrels, a member of Sciuridae family of Rodentia order and Mammalia class of Animalia kingdom. There are different types of squirrels. These include tree squirrels, red squirrels, and ground squirrels. The female squirrels normally give birth to 2 litters in a year. Each of these contains an average of 3-4 babies but the number could be upto 9. Squirrels have a gestation period of about 39 & 44 days.  The baby squirrels are born without fur and ability to see and hear. They continue to live in the nest for around one and a half months. In two months, baby squirrels are normally weaned & on their own. For a squirrel to reach maturity, it’s about nine months. At this point, the adolescent squirrels leave the nests to get their specific territories. Let us read ahead to know more about the adoring tiny rodent, its different species and how long do squirrels live?

Life Expectancy

Normally, about half of the squirrel's population dies every year. They are exposed to predators like owls, hawks, coyotes, snakes, and bobcats eating squirrels. Parasites and the disease outbreaks are some other leading factors to high mortality of the tiny creature. Moreover, human interactions including collisions with a car are also a threat to squirrels.

How long do squirrels live?
•    Red-Squirrel: On average, the red squirrel exists for about five years, however first year of their life is considered most crucial phase for survival. Nine years is the lengthiest recorded lifespan for a wild red-squirrel. Pet red-squirrels can live for about 8 years.
•    Eastern-grey Squirrel: This grey squirrel has a life expectancy of just 2 years. In wild, the highest recorded lifespan for grey squirrels is about 12 years. Under captivity, the squirrel can live up to 20 years.
•    Ground Squirrel: This squirrel has an average lifespan of about is 3 years to 4 years when in the wild. However, they can have a life span of up to 6 years. Under captivity, they can live up to 10 years.

List of other squirrel species and their lifespan, in both wild and captivity:
•    Black Squirrels: 6 years, 18 years
•    Western grey Squirrels: 12 years, 20 years
•    Southern Flying Squirrels: 3 - 5 years, 10 years
•    Abert’s Squirrels: 3-4 years, 7-8 years
•    Eastern-Fox Squirrels: 8 years, 18 years

Does diet affect the Lifespan of Squirrels?
Squirrels are omnivorous. It means they are equally happy with veggies as well as meat food items. They can eat vegetables, meat, & usually everything which they are capable of finding. Their best food includes fungi, nuts, seeds and fruit. Moreover, they will also consume insects, small snakes, and eggs. Squirrels will bury more food for winter season preparation, and it is not unusual for squirrels to take from the storage spaces of others.

Is there any difference in lifespan of male and female squirrels?
Female squirrels are likely to live longer as compared to male squirrels. In a study conducted on the grey squirrel population, the eldest female squirrel lived for about 12.5 years old, while the longest living male squirrel was 9 years old.
Squirrels have the best eyesight which helps them view their predators immediately even when they are far. Due to this factor, they are capable of escaping from their enemies before getting harmed.

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How long do squirrels live?