The largest squirrel in the world is the red and white flying squirrel. Its length from head to tail is around 119 cm or 3.9 feet. This squirrel is known for its superb agility and aerial acrobatics during flight.
World’s Biggest Squirrels
10. Mountain Ground Squirrel (Xerus princeps)
It is one of the most giant squirrels in the world, as its body can grow up to 29 cm while its tail measures around 28 cm. It is around 57 cm or 1.87 ft long when measured from head to tail. Mountain ground squirrels are typically nocturnal and are known for their diet of plants and insects.
They’re found in mountainous regions worldwide, including North America and Europe. Please keep your eyes peeled this fall as these furry mammals make their way across the landscape.
9. Forest Giant Squirrels (Protoxerus stangeri)
This squirrel has a head-to-body length of around 29 cm; its tail can grow around the same size. These squirrels are found in the tropical forests of Central America and Southeast Asia and are considered of the least concern by the IUCN Red List.
These squirrels have impressive strength for their size, able to break branches with their teeth!
8. Kashmir Flying Squirrel (Eoglaucomys fimbriatus)
The Kashmir flying squirrel is an exciting and unique creature with a body length of around 24 to 31 cm and a tail length ranging from 25 to 33 cm. It’s also one of the most aerial creatures, making it one of the best choices for those looking for a wildlife photo opportunity. One of the squirrel’s favorite foods is fruit.
7. Tufted Ground Squirrel (Rheithrosciurus macrotis)
The tufted ground squirrel has a head and body measure of around 33.5 cm to 35.2 cm and a tail length of about 29.9 to 34. 2 cm. It weighs around 1-2 kg. This curious creature is very active during the day and night, making it perfect for pet homeowners.
Rheithrosciurus macrotis is listed as vulnerable on IUCN Red List due to deforestation, hunting for its fur, competition from other animals for food, and alteration of its habitat.
6. Abert’s Squirrel (Sciurus aberti)
This North American rodent grows up to three times larger than other common squirrels and has a long tail! Abert’s squirrel has a body size of around 46 to 58 cm and a tail length of 19 to 25 cm.
This omnivore eats primarily nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects but can survive on an average of two days without food if necessary! Its population is declining due to deforestation and hunting.
5. Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica)
Indian giant squirrels (Ratufa indica) can weigh as much as 1.1 kg and are native to India. Its body can grow up to 50 cm, while its tail length is around the same or longer.
They consume upwards of 20% of their body weight daily, which translates to a whopping 800 g (2 lb 9 oz) worth of daily food. If that’s not impressive enough, these squirrels can jump up to 3 m (10 ft) in the air! So next time you’re out in nature, keep an eye out for these giant rodents!
These giant rodents are listed as of least concern on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and hunting by humans.
4. Laotian Flying Squirrel (Biswamoyopterus laoensis)
The Laotian flying squirrel is one of the most endangered mammals on earth and can only be found in Laos and Vietnam. This flying squirrel can grow to a head-to-tail length of around 100 cm.
Sadly, only a few individuals remain in the wild, so it’s essential to protect them wherever you can.
3. Olympic Marmot (Marmota olympus)
These rodents can be as giant as 106 cm from head to tail, making them one of the biggest squirrels in the world! These furry mammals are excellent climbers and have powerful grip strength due to their thick fur coats. They are native to western North America and northern Asia mountain regions.
2. Western Woolly Flying Squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus)
The western woolly flying squirrel can weigh up to 2.5 kg and measure about 110 cm. Woolly flying squirrels are unique because they have a thick coat of fur that helps protect them from cold weather. They live in areas with a lot of snow and ice, so they need particular adaptations to survive in this climate. Woolly flying squirrels are the only squirrel species living in North America’s mountains.
1. Red and White Flying Squirrel (Petaurista alborufus)
As mentioned, the most giant squirrel in the world is the red and white flying squirrel which can measure around 119 cm. Despite their large size, these squirrels are remarkably timid and will only attack if they’re threatened or feel cornered.
These squirrels are also one of the most commonly found squirrels in North America, Central America, and South America.
Where the Biggest Squirrels in the World Live
The biggest squirrels in the world reside in areas with many trees and foliage. These rodents are adaptable and can live anywhere there is food available. These furry mammals have a sizeable heart-to-body weight ratio, making them more efficient hunters than other animals and allowing them to quickly find food in their habitat.
