How Long Do Squirrels Live as Pets? (An Ultimate Guide!)

Many people love the idea of having a squirrel as a pet. Squirrels are cute, playful, and entertaining animals that can bring joy to any home.

However, before deciding to bring a squirrel into your home, it’s important to understand:

How Long Do Squirrels Live as Pets?

Squirrels typically live 6-8 years in the wild, but as pets, their lifespan can range from 10-20 years depending on the species and care provided.

It’s important to note that owning a squirrel as a pet is not legal in all states and countries.

Before considering a squirrel as a pet, it’s important to research local laws and regulations to ensure that it’s legal to do so in your area.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the time, effort, and resources required to properly care for a squirrel, as they require a lot of attention and specialized care.

Squirrel Lifespan in the Wild:

Squirrels are small, agile rodents that can be found in many parts of the world.

They are known for their bushy tails, sharp claws, and ability to climb trees with ease.

In the wild, squirrels face a number of challenges that can affect their lifespan.

Factors Affecting Squirrel Lifespan:

There are several factors that can affect the lifespan of a squirrel in the wild:

Predators: Squirrels are preyed upon by a variety of animals, including birds of prey, snakes, and other mammals. Predation is a major cause of death for squirrels, particularly young ones.
Disease: Squirrels can be susceptible to a variety of diseases, including mange, squirrel pox, and West Nile virus. Disease can weaken squirrels and make them more vulnerable to predation or other threats.
Food availability: Squirrels need a steady supply of food to survive. In times of drought or other environmental stress, food may be scarce, which can lead to malnutrition and other health problems.
Environmental conditions: Squirrels are adapted to live in a variety of environments, but extreme weather conditions such as heat waves or severe cold can be deadly.

Despite these challenges, squirrels are generally able to live for several years in the wild.

The lifespan of a squirrel can vary depending on the species, with some living for only a few years and others living for up to a decade or more.

For example, the Eastern Gray Squirrel, one of the most common squirrel species in North America, has an average lifespan of around 6 years in the wild.

The Red Squirrel, another common species, has a shorter lifespan of around 3 years.

Squirrels as Pets:

Keeping squirrels as pets has become increasingly popular in recent years.

However, before considering a squirrel as a pet, it is important to understand the legalities and the lifespan of these animals in captivity.

Legality of Keeping Squirrels as Pets:

The legality of keeping squirrels as pets varies depending on the state or country.

In some places, it is illegal to keep squirrels as pets without a permit. In other places, it is completely illegal to keep them as pets.

It is important to check with local authorities to determine the legality of keeping squirrels as pets.

Squirrel Lifespan in Captivity:

The lifespan of squirrels in captivity can vary depending on the species and the care they receive.

Generally, squirrels can live up to 10-12 years in captivity.

However, some species can live longer if they are well-cared for and provided with a suitable environment.

Factors Affecting Squirrel Lifespan in Captivity:

Several factors can affect the lifespan of squirrels in captivity.

These include:

The species of squirrel
The diet and nutrition provided
The environment and living conditions
The level of socialization and interaction with humans

Providing a healthy and stimulating environment, along with proper nutrition and care, can help increase the lifespan of squirrels in captivity.

Do squirrels make good house pets?

While squirrels may seem like cute and cuddly creatures, they are not typically recommended as house pets.

Here are some reasons why?

Squirrels are wild animals: Squirrels are not domesticated animals and are not meant to live in human homes. They have evolved to live in the wild and have specific needs that are difficult to meet in a home environment.
They can be destructive: Squirrels are known for their sharp teeth and claws, which they use to climb trees and gather food. When kept in a home, they may chew on furniture, wires, and other household items, causing damage.
They require specialized care: Squirrels have specific dietary requirements and need a lot of space to move around and exercise. They also need access to sunlight and fresh air, which can be difficult to provide in a home environment.
They can carry diseases: Squirrels can carry diseases such as rabies and salmonella, which can be transmitted to humans. They also have a tendency to bite when they feel threatened, which can be dangerous.

Overall, while squirrels may seem like cute and fun pets, they are not well-suited to living in human homes.

It is best to enjoy them from a distance in their natural habitat.

Do squirrels get attached to their owners?

Squirrels are wild animals and are not typically known for forming strong attachments to humans.

While they may become accustomed to being around humans, they do not have the same social and emotional needs as domesticated animals like dogs or cats.

That being said, there have been cases of squirrels becoming attached to their human caregivers.

This is more likely to happen if the squirrel was raised from a young age by humans and has been socialized to human interaction. In these cases, the squirrel may become comfortable around their caregiver and may even seek out their attention or affection.

However, it is important to remember that even in these cases, squirrels are still wild animals and can become unpredictable or aggressive if they feel threatened or scared.

It is not recommended to keep squirrels as pets, as they are not domesticated and have specific needs that are difficult to meet in a home environment.

Overall, while it is possible for squirrels to become attached to their human caregivers, it is not typical behavior for wild animals and should not be expected or encouraged.

Are squirrels good pet?

Squirrels are not typically recommended as pets for several reasons:

They are wild animals: Squirrels are not domesticated animals and are not meant to live in human homes. They have evolved to live in the wild and have specific needs that are difficult to meet in a home environment.
They can be destructive: Squirrels are known for their sharp teeth and claws, which they use to climb trees and gather food. When kept in a home, they may chew on furniture, wires, and other household items, causing damage.
They require specialized care: Squirrels have specific dietary requirements and need a lot of space to move around and exercise. They also need access to sunlight and fresh air, which can be difficult to provide in a home environment.
They can carry diseases: Squirrels can carry diseases such as rabies and salmonella, which can be transmitted to humans. They also have a tendency to bite when they feel threatened, which can be dangerous.
It may be illegal to keep them as pets: In many places, it is illegal to keep squirrels as pets. This is because they are considered to be wild animals and are protected by law.

Overall, while squirrels may seem like cute and fun pets, they are not well-suited to living in human homes.

It is best to enjoy them from a distance in their natural habitat.

If you come across a baby squirrel that appears to be abandoned, it is best to contact a wildlife rehabilitation center or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can provide the proper care and release the squirrel back into the wild when it is ready.