Squirrels are fascinating creatures that bring a lot of life to our backyards. If you’ve ever spotted a squirrel and wondered how old it is, you’re in the right place! You can estimate a squirrel’s age by observing its physical features, such as the condition of its fur, the size of its tail, and even its behavior.
Baby squirrels go through noticeable changes as they grow. For instance, they start off hairless but develop grayish fur by about one week old. By the time they’re two weeks, you may notice their tiny eyes beginning to open. These differences can help you determine just how young they really are.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just curious, learning to identify a squirrel’s age is both interesting and useful. Get ready to dive into the unique signs that reveal the age of these lively animals!
Determining the Age of a Squirrel
Understanding how to determine the age of a squirrel involves looking at its physical characteristics and examining its teeth. These factors provide great insight into whether you are dealing with a newborn squirrel, juvenile squirrels, or adult squirrels.
Physical Characteristics and Development
When estimating a squirrel’s age, start with its physical features. A newborn squirrel is born with closed eyes and soft, hairless skin. As they grow, by about one week, their skin takes on a pinkish-gray color as the fur begins to grow in.
Juvenile squirrels can be recognized by their active behavior and ability to climb. At around 8 to 10 weeks, they look similar to adults but are noticeably smaller. They can also crack open nuts, showing they are starting to wean.
In contrast, adult squirrels are fully developed, typically reaching sexual maturity between 10 and 12 months. Noticeable differences in fur texture and color can signal maturity as well.
Teeth Examination
Another reliable way to determine a squirrel’s age is by examining its teeth. Like many rodents, squirrels continuously grow their teeth throughout their lives.
Baby squirrels have flat, small teeth that begin to develop sharp edges as they age. By the time they reach juvenile status, their teeth are larger and sharper. As they mature into adults, their teeth show signs of wear, especially if they are older than one year.
Inspecting the condition of their teeth can reveal their age, but it may require closer observation. Tooth wear can indicate if a squirrel has reached its later years, possibly over two years old.
Caring for Squirrels at Different Life Stages
Caring for squirrels requires different approaches based on their age. Whether you are looking after newborns or helping with wildlife rehabilitation, understanding their needs is essential for their health and well-being.
Nurturing Newborns and Juveniles
When you find baby squirrels, especially under the age of six weeks, they need special care. At this stage, they rely on their mother’s milk. If a mother squirrel cannot be found, you can use a formula designed for baby mammals, like Esbilac puppy formula.
Important Tips:
- Feeding: Use a small syringe or bottle to feed them. Tiny amounts every two to three hours are best.
- Temperature: Keep newborns warm, as they cannot regulate their body temperature. A heating pad on low or a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel can help.
By six weeks, they start to eat solid food. Juveniles can consume fruits, vegetables, and some nuts. Monitor them closely to ensure they are eating enough.
Guidelines for Wildlife Rehabilitation
If you encounter an injured or orphaned squirrel in North America, it’s important to know how to help. Wildlife rehabilitation centers are equipped to care for squirrels of all ages. You can start by gently wrapping the squirrel in a towel to keep it warm and secure.
Steps to Follow:
- Contact a Rehabber: Always reach out to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator for guidance.
- Minimize Stress: Keep the squirrel in a quiet, dark place to reduce its stress level until help arrives.
Feeding wild squirrels should be left to professionals. They know the right diet to promote healing and healthy growth. Always remember, your care can make a significant difference in their recovery.
