The lifespan of squirrels: How long do Squirrels live?

Do you ever see a squirrel running around and think to yourself, “I wonder how long that little guy will live?” Well, wonder no more! In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the average lifespan of a squirrel. We’ll also discuss some of the factors that can affect a squirrel’s life expectancy. Keep reading to learn more!

What is the average lifespan of Squirrels?

In the wild, squirrels typically live between 4 and 8 years. This is a relatively short lifespan when compared to other animals, but it’s still longer than you might think! The average lifespan of a domestic squirrel is a bit shorter, though still impressive at around 3-5 years.

There are two main types of squirrels in North America- tree squirrels and ground squirrels. The most common type of tree squirrel is the Eastern Gray Squirrel. The Eastern Gray Squirrel can live up to 12 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity. On the other hand, ground squirrels have a much shorter lifespan with an average life expectancy of 3-4 years.

Eastern Gray Squirrel Life ExpectancyWild: up to 12 years
Captivity: up to 20 years
Red Squirrel Life Expectancy5 years
Fox squirrel Life ExpectancyWild: 6-7 years
Captivity: 3-4 years
Ground Squirrel Life ExpectancyWild: 3-4 years
Captivity: up to 10 years

Factors affecting Squirrel Lifespan

There are several factors that can affect a squirrel’s lifespan. One of the most important is predation. In areas where there are a lot of predators, such as hawks or snakes, squirrels tend to have shorter lifespans. This is because they’re constantly at risk of being eaten!

Another important factor is diet. Squirrels that have access to a good supply of food tend to live longer than those that don’t.

Diet also plays a huge role in how long a squirrel will live. A squirrel that lives off a diet of mainly nuts and seeds will have a longer lifespan than one that relies on insects for food. This is because nuts and seeds provide more nutrients and energy than insects do. Insects are also harder to find in the winter which can lead to starvation.

Additionally, male squirrels tend to have shorter lifespans than female squirrels. This is because males are more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as fighting with other males for territory or mates.

Finally, habitat also plays a role. Squirrels that live in urban areas often have shorter lifespans than those in rural areas because they’re more exposed to cars and other dangers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the average lifespan of a squirrel is 5 years old but this number varies depending on the type of squirrel and its diet. By understanding these factors, you can get a better idea of how long your backyard friend may stick around!