Have you ever wondered just how much those bushy-tailed critters scurrying around your yard actually weigh? Knowing the average squirrel weight can satisfy curiosity and help with proper identification. This guide will provide an overview of the typical weights for 5 of the most common tree squirrel species found throughout the United States and Canada.
Why Weight Matters
Determining an accurate weight is useful for several reasons:
- Identification – Weight ranges can help distinguish lookalike species from one another. For example, telling a lighter red squirrel apart from a gray.
- Tracking growth – Weight gives clues to the age and development of young squirrels.
- Assessing health – Unexpected weight loss may be a sign of malnutrition or illness in rehab squirrels.
- Controlling pests – Knowing the weight helps determine effective squirrel exclusion methods.
- Just curiosity! – Many people simply wonder, just how hefty are those neighborhood squirrels?
Below we’ll look at average weights for 5 common squirrel species and what factors influence their size.
Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray is one of the most familiar backyard squirrels throughout the eastern half of North America. Here’s an overview of this cute little rodent:
Description
- Large, bushy tail with white edges
- Distinctive gray fur mixed with shades of brown and tawny
- White or pale gray belly
- 18-20 inches long from head to tail
Average Weight
- 1 pound – Most adult eastern grays weigh about 16 ounces
- 1.5 pounds – Maximum winter weight when extra fat stores are present
Weight Factors
Eastern gray weights fluctuate based on:
- Age – Baby eastern grays weigh just 1-2 ounces at birth. Adults reach 1 pound around 1 year old.
- Season – Winter weight is up to 1.5 pounds with extra fat reserves. Summer weights drop to about 1 pound after this fat is shed.
- Food supply – Abundant natural food sources lead to heavier squirrels.
- Urban vs. rural – Urban squirrels that eat human food are generally heavier.
American Red Squirrel
The feisty red squirrel is common throughout coniferous forests in the western half of the continent. Here are quick facts about this pine cone lover:
Description
- Small and agile
- Rusty red fur with white belly
- Large tufted ears
- 12-15 inches long
Average Weight
- 5-10 ounces – Typical adult red squirrel
- 12 ounces – Heaviest weights seen in winter
Weight Factors
American red squirrel weights vary due to:
- Age – Newborns weigh just 0.5 ounces. Adults reach full size after 1 year.
- Time of year – Winter weights increase up to 50% more than summer.
- Food availability – Abundant conifer cones and seeds lead to heavier reds.
- Climate – Colder climates produce larger squirrels.
Fox Squirrel
The fox squirrel is North America’s largest tree squirrel and is found throughout the eastern and central US. Here’s an overview:
Description
- Very large tree squirrel
- Orangey-brown to gray fur with pale orange belly
- Long, very bushy tail
- 18-27 inches in length
Average Weight
- 1.5-2.5 pounds – Typical adult fox squirrel weight range
- 3 pounds – Maximum weight of large adults
Weight Factors
Fox squirrel weights are influenced by:
- Age – Fox kits weigh just 1-2 ounces at birth. Reach full 2+ lb. size by 1 year.
- Food availability – Plentiful crops like corn and nuts produce fatter foxes.
- Urban habitat – Foxes in suburbs are heavier due to eating human food.
- Climate – Hot southern regions have lighter foxes than northern areas.
Southern Flying Squirrel
The tiny southern flying squirrel is found in forests across the eastern US and southeast Canada. Here are the basics:
Description
- Very small tree squirrel
- Gray, brown, or cinnamon fur with white belly
- Furry membrane allowing gliding
- 9-10 inches long
Average Weight
- 2-4 ounces – Typical adult body weight
Weight Factors
Southern flying squirrel weights are impacted by:
- Age – Newborns are just .2 ounces. Adults reach full 2-4 oz. size by 4-5 months.
- Time of year – Late summer/fall maximum weights are slightly higher before winter.
- Food supply – Good mast crops produce marginally heavier flying squirrels.
Northern Flying Squirrel
The northern flying squirrel inhabits forests across Canada, the western US, and parts of the northern US. Here’s an overview:
Description
- Small and flat-bodied
- Gray, brown, or reddish fur with white belly
- Long hairy flap for gliding
- 11-13 inches in length
Average Weight
- 5-8 ounces – Typical adult northern flying squirrel
Weight Factors
Northern flying squirrel weights fluctuate due to:
- Age – Birth weight is just .2 ounces. Adults reach 5-8 ounces by 3-4 months old.
- Season – Winter weights increase by 1-2 ounces over summer.
- Food availability – Good mast crops lead to marginally heavier squirrels.
Summary of Average Squirrel Weights
| Species | Length | Typical Weight Range |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Gray | 18-20 inches | 1 – 1.5 pounds |
| American Red | 12-15 inches | 5 – 12 ounces |
| Fox Squirrel | 18-27 inches | 1.5 – 3 pounds |
| Southern Flying | 9-10 inches | 2 – 4 ounces |
| Northern Flying | 11-13 inches | 5 – 8 ounces |
Why Squirrel Weight Matters
As we’ve seen, the most common tree squirrels across North America weigh anywhere from a tiny 2 ounces for flying squirrels, to a hefty 3 pounds for chubby fox squirrels. Understanding these typical weight ranges can allow identification by sight, help track development and health, and determine effective deterrents.
So next time you spy a neighborhood squirrel, see if you can use clues like size, color, and habitat to guess its species and likely weight. With practice, you’ll be able to impress everyone with your squirrel sleuthing skills in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you tell a fox squirrel apart from a gray squirrel?
Fox squirrels are much larger, weighing 1.5-3 lbs compared to 0.5-1.5 lbs for grays. Foxes also have brighter orange-brown fur, taller ear tufts, and a very fluffy tail.
Do baby squirrels weigh less than adults?
Yes, newborn squirrels weigh just .5-2 ounces depending on species. Adults reach mature sizes of 1 ounce for flying squirrels up to 3 lbs for fox squirrels.
Why do northern squirrels weigh more than southern ones?
Northern squirrels have up to 50% more body fat to help survive cold winters. Southern squirrels maintain leaner builds year-round since food is more plentiful.
What is the lightest squirrel species?
The tiny southern flying squirrel is the lightest at just 2-4 ounces as adults. The hefty fox squirrel is the heaviest North American species at up to 3 pounds.
How can you weigh a squirrel without catching it?
Use wildlife cameras to take size comparison photos. Or collect tufts of shed fur and weigh them on a kitchen scale for an estimate.
Hey there, fellow nature enthusiasts! I’m Mark Gray, the passionate owner of OutdoorAnimals.com, a hub dedicated to uncovering the incredible world of outdoor animals. Whether you’re a hiker, a four-wheeler, or just someone who revels in the beauty of the great outdoors, you’re in the right place. I seek to understand all varieties of animals, from the great elk to the simple mouse, my goal is to write and share this knowledge with the public.