How Long Do Squirrels Live?
Squirrels are some of the longest-living rodents on the planet. Their long lifespans are due to their unique biology and evolution.
They are intelligent rodents adapted to living in trees and avoiding predators. They also have heightened senses and quick reflexes that help them escape their enemies.
Lifespan
Depending on the squirrel species, sexes, habitats, and geographic locations they live, the lifespan of a squirrel can vary significantly. Wild squirrels generally have shorter lifespans than captive ones because they are more exposed to predators, diseases, and weather conditions.
Female squirrels tend to live longer than males. This is because they perform most of the work in the colony.
The lifespan of a squirrel depends on many factors, including its habitat, sex, and diet. They can also get diseases and parasites that can shorten their lives.
Baby squirrels depend on their mother for the first few weeks, relying on her milk for survival. They will then begin to eat solid foods after six weeks.
In the wild, squirrels can survive up to twelve years. However, in captivity, they have a much shorter lifespan. The main reason is that they are more exposed to predators and other dangers.
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Baby Squirrels
After a gestation period of 40-44 days, a female squirrel gives birth to one to nine babies weighing about 14-15 grams (0.5 oz). The baby squirrels are born almost blind and hairless.
These squirrels depend entirely on their mother until they’re about four weeks old. Once their eyes and ears are open, they can explore the world around them.
The time it takes for them to become independent varies between species. They begin to wean from their mother’s milk and eat solid foods by six or eight weeks of age.
If you find a lost or abandoned baby squirrel, it needs immediate care. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or rescue if you cannot return it to its mother.
Captive Squirrels
The lifespan of a squirrel can vary greatly depending on the species, their environment (wild or captive), and predators. Generally speaking, wild squirrels have a shorter lifespan than their captive counterparts.
Captive squirrels raised in a home setting can live for up to 10 years or more. However, the longevity of a captive squirrel can also depend on how well they are taken care of and what they eat.
In captivity, squirrels can be fed various foods and may receive health care and treatment to help them stay healthy and active for as long as possible. This will increase their lifespan and make them feel more comfortable in their captive environment.
Female squirrels mate once or twice a year, and they give birth to two litters of baby squirrels each year. Their young are born hairless and weigh half an ounce.
Predators
Squirrels live a long life because they are incredibly wary of predators. They are agile and will scurry away as quickly as possible if they think they’re in danger, so mammalian predators like cats, dogs, and foxes rarely catch them.
However, they are prone to attacks by bird predators such as hawks and owls. These animals have excellent vision and can spot squirrels from a distance of about two miles, which allows them to catch them in flight or on the ground.
Squirrels can also be targeted by reptiles such as rattlesnakes. They are swift and can evade most snakes, but this only works in cases where the snake threatens their health.
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