captured by Kushal Chakraborty (me)


I see this beautiful creatures every day in my land which will be soon a bird hyde— this things darting across telephone wires, performing gravity-defying leaps between branches, and occasionally taunting the neighborhood dog. Today I witnessed it scares a dog for a moment 😜 But for as common as they are, squirrels remain surprisingly mysterious especially the Malayan Giant Squirrel.

If you’ve ever looked up into a tree and wondered what that small goofy rodent is, or heard a strange barking sound coming from your roof, you aren't alone. In this guide, we’re answering the three most-searched questions about our favorite bushy-tailed neighbors.

READ THIS BLOG IF YOU WANT TO PHOTOGRAPH SQUIRREL (THE GEAR YOU NEED) 

How Long Does a Squirrel Live?

The lifespan of a squirrel depends heavily on its environment and species. While they are hardy creatures, the "wild" is a dangerous place.

  • In the Wild: On average, a wild Eastern Gray Squirrel lives between 2 and 6 years so as its Indian brother Orange bellied squirrel while hoary bellied squirrel lives only 2-4 years. Many do not make it past their first year due to predators (hawks, owls, and foxes), harsh winters, or traffic. Malayan can survive in captivity around 18 years but in the wild probably 15 years (Data Insufficient)

  • In Captivity: Without the threat of predators or starvation, squirrels can live significantly longer. It is not uncommon for a squirrel in a rehabilitation center or zoo to reach 15 to 20 years.

Did you know? Squirrels have a "live fast, die young" strategy. They mature quickly and can have two litters of babies (kits) per year to ensure the survival of their species.

What Does a Squirrel Nest Look Like?

If you see a large, messy ball of leaves and twigs high up in a tree, you aren't looking at an abandoned bird's nest—you’re looking at a drey.

A squirrel nest (drey) has very specific characteristics that set it apart:

  • Size: They are usually about the size of a football or slightly larger.

  • Materials: Unlike birds, which use mud and fine straw, squirrels weave together dry leaves, twigs, and strips of bark.

  • Location: Dreys are typically built at least 20 feet off the ground, nestled in the "fork" of a strong branch for stability and protection from wind.

  • The Interior: While the outside looks chaotic, the inside is lined with soft materials like moss, dried grass, and even found items like shredded cloth or insulation to keep the kits warm.

During the winter, squirrels may also use "den nests" inside hollowed-out tree trunks, which provide much better insulation against the cold than a leaf drey.

What Sound Does a Squirrel Make?

Most people think squirrels are silent, but they actually have a complex "language" used to warn others of danger or defend their territory.

  1. The "Quack" or Bark: This is the most common sound. It sounds like a raspy, rapid-fire barking. This is an alarm call. If a cat or a hawk is nearby, the squirrel will bark while flicking its tail to alert every other squirrel in the area.

  2. The "Muk-Muk": This is a soft, puffing sound, almost like a tiny sneeze. It is usually made by younger squirrels or during mating season to signal that they aren't a threat.

  3. The Chattering: This sounds like rapid teeth-clicking. This is usually a sign of aggression. If another squirrel enters their territory, they will chatter their teeth to say, "Back off!"

Final Thoughts

Squirrels are more than just acrobatic nut-gatherers. They are architects, vocalists, and survivors. Next time you see one barking from a branch or tucking leaves into a drey, you’ll know exactly what’s going on in their world.

Are you exited to spot the largest squirrel in India which is known as Malayan Giant Squirrel or other squirrel like hoary bellied squirrel, orange bellied squirrel and Himalayan squirrel? Buxa Tiger Reserve is the best place to locate this Animals. Go with this link if you want to stay in the best hotel. Call me at this number for booking a tour to spot one.

Contact Number - +91 7063305828/Whatsapp/ Telegram 

                                            BEST HOTEL LINK HERE 

You can explore my Zazzle store for exciting products which will have squirrel design goodies and tees soon with design that captured by me in the wild on my DSLR. Here is the link 👉 MY ZAZZLE STORE 👈