Squirrels, with their bushy tails and agile movements, are familiar sights in many environments, from dense forests to urban parks. These resourceful rodents often spark curiosity about their lives, particularly how long they typically live.
General Squirrel Lifespan
A squirrel’s lifespan varies by species and environment. Eastern gray squirrels, commonly observed in North America, generally live for about six years in the wild, though some can reach 12 years. American red squirrels typically have a shorter wild lifespan, averaging around five years, with some living up to eight years. Fox squirrels, known for their larger size, often live between 8 and 18 years in their natural habitats. Ground squirrels and flying squirrels tend to have shorter lifespans, averaging three to six years in the wild.
Factors Influencing Lifespan in the Wild
Predation is a primary factor, with birds of prey like hawks, owls, eagles, and falcons actively hunting squirrels. Terrestrial predators, including foxes, coyotes, bobcats, raccoons, weasels, and minks, also pose a substantial threat. Even domestic animals such as cats and dogs contribute to squirrel mortality, particularly when squirrels are on the ground foraging.
Food availability directly influences a squirrel’s health and survival. Seasonal changes, droughts, or habitat destruction can lead to food shortages, weakening squirrels and making them more susceptible to other threats. Harsh winters, in particular, can limit their ability to find buried nuts, potentially leading to malnutrition. Competition for limited resources with other squirrels and wildlife also adds stress to their lives.
Diseases and parasites can also shorten a squirrel’s life. Viral infections like Squirrel Fibroma Virus, sometimes called Squirrel Pox, can be lethal, especially for red squirrels. Internal parasites, such as the protozoan causing coccidiosis, affect their digestive systems. External parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites can infest squirrels and transmit bacterial diseases such as Salmonellosis, Tularemia, and Leptospirosis, or fungal infections like ringworm.
Environmental hazards also pose risks for wild squirrels. Traffic accidents are a common cause of death, particularly in urban and suburban areas. Extreme weather, electrical wires, and damage to structures when seeking shelter in human dwellings can also be detrimental.
Lifespan Differences: Wild vs. Captivity
Squirrels in captivity generally live much longer than their wild counterparts, often two to three times as long. For instance, an Eastern gray squirrel, which might live for an average of six years in the wild, can survive up to 20 years in a controlled environment. Fox squirrels in captivity can reach 18 to 20 years, significantly exceeding their wild lifespan. This difference is due to the absence of natural threats and consistent care.
Captive squirrels benefit from the absence of predators, eliminating a major source of mortality. They receive a consistent and balanced diet, ensuring reliable nutrition and hydration, unlike wild squirrels who must forage and face seasonal scarcities. Access to veterinary care means injuries and illnesses can be treated, preventing conditions that would be fatal in the wild. Protected shelter shields them from extreme weather and environmental hazards, reducing stress and exposure.