How big do squirrels get?

Squirrels are small rodents whose size varies from 5,30 inch to 11,5 inches (body length) and 6 to 10 inches (tail length). Weight of flying and red squirrels is approximately 3,5 to 4,5 oz while gray squirrels can weight from 12,3 oz to 28,20 oz.



Squirrels can live up to 10 years-but when they have optimum living conditions. In wilderness many squirrels don't make it to full maturity due to many predators that hunt them down.

Squirrels have two mating periods a year. One period is from February to March and second is from June to July (except for flying squirrels that are active from January to March). In majority of squirrel species, several males will court one female and she will eventually choose one to mate with. All squirrels are born blind and hairless. They open eyes after few weeks and they start getting fur after a week. Youngsters stay with mother for at least a month after which period they start learning how to find food. Very soon, young squirrels become completely independent.

There are three basic squirrel species that follow next biological pattern: American red squirrel reaches sexual maturity after 12 months. Pregnancy lasts 5 months and number of newborns varies between 2 to 7. Youngsters become independent after 8 weeks.

Gray squirrel reaches sexual maturity after 11 months. Pregnancy lasts 44 days and number of newborns varies between 1 to 9. Youngsters become independent after 10 months.

Flying squirrel reaches sexual maturity after 12-24 months. Pregnancy lasts 40 days and number of newborns varies between 2 to 6. Youngsters become independent after 8 weeks. In wilderness all squirrel species share similar nutrition that differs depending on the season. Majority of squirrels eat nuts, buds, seeds, eggs of small birds. Red squirrels especially like to eat pine seed. During winter, squirrels usually eat mushrooms and tree bark. Squirrels usually store food for the winder, especially nuts and mushrooms. Squirrels have teeth that grow non-stop so they are always in a search for something to chew on. Squirrels usually brush their teeth on tree bark.

If you need help, we service the entire USA! Click here for a wildlife removal specialist in your town!

Go back to the main Squirrel Removal page for more information about How big do squirrels get?.