Squirrels nurse their young for about 3 months, which is a long time by rodent standards. Also, like prairie dogs, they have a mostly herbivorous diet, are social rodents, and dig community burrows. Gestation period: between 28 and 44 days depending on the species. Richardson's ground squirrels are likely to live for 3 years if male and 4 years if female. How Long Do Squirrels Live and Other Interesting Squirrel Facts Best Dog Crates – 5 Top rated metal and fabric Dog Crates Reviewed Best Deshedding Tools For Dogs Scampering around the house or designated area is good for their bodily development and sense of adventure. They are native to parts of the American Southwest and Mexico. Within the first 6 months of life, squirrels acclimate to humans,... Making an Animal Wild Again. As they live in colonies, this animal will have strong social needs in captivity. They need to run and climb, they also chew everything. How to Keep a Pet Squirrel. However, depending on a variety of factors including food supply, weather conditions, and habitat, squirrels are capable of carrying up to eight young in one brood. It also needs some good time to sleep. The Early Months. Small animal toys are available in pet stores and pet supply outlets. This may also aid you in choosing the right one for a pet. Eastern gray squirrel can live up to 13 years in the wild. Dating back to the early 1700’s, squirrels have been en vogue as pets, and they’ve been often kept as housemates for wealthy families.Even notables like President Warren Harding—the 29th President of the United States—kept a pet squirrel he called ‘Pete’. The Pet Squirrel’s Storied Past. Compared to cow milk, gray squirrel milk has less water and sugar but more protein and fat. How Long Do Squirrels Live? When you take a peek outside your window or a stroll through the park, it isn’t surprising to catch a squirrel scurrying past you and scaling the trunk of a tree. Again, be careful allowing other pets or young children around squirrels, as the small animals do not refrain from using teeth and claws as they deem fit. Female squirrels typically have two litters that contain an average of two to four young each year. Squirrels can generally live up 10 years in optimum conditions (with gray squirrels having a slightly shorter lifespan), however many baby squirrels in the wild never even make it to adulthood due to predators. SAVE CANCEL. Astoundingly, squirrels have been known to live for up to 24 years ! If you’re considering getting a pet squirrel, this is what you need to know. Keeping a squirrel as a pet is a big commitment. They eat nuts, fruits, fungi, lichens, buds, mushrooms, roots, pine cones, leaves twigs and bark. In captivity, they are known to live up to 20 years old. However, gray and flying squirrels are solitary during the summer, but will often stay together in large groups (of up to 24 squirrels) during the winter to keep warm. They are one of the largest species of squirrel and look similar to prairie dogs. The average adult is expected to live for around 6 years. It weighs between 2 to 4 … Do they keep well in captivity? MERGE CANCEL. They can however, … Many questions such as these may surface in your mind whiling mulling over the subject of bringing these little animals home. Exceptions. Would you like to merge this question into it? One of the most frequently asked questions about the wild creatures we see around our homes is “How long do squirrels live?” These bushy tailed creatures scramble up trees, walk across wires, and feed on nuts, fruits, pine cones, all within sight of our front door step. This small prey animal has a lifespan of around 20 years in captivity but will vary on an average to about 13 years in the wild. It’s not uncommon for Grey Squirrels and Fox Squirrels to have two litters of babies every year. Squirrels are quick, so have the area ready with secured entryways so the animals cannot speedily escape. This article helps you get a better understanding of How Long Do Squirrels Live? How are flying squirrels as pets? Red Squirrels are solitary creatures and prefer to live alone all year long, except when raising young. How long does a Giant squirrel live? Two girls. 3) Flying Squirrel as Pet: To bond with a baby flying squirrel, you need to spend minimum 3 hours with them for three weeks after adoption.