Can Rats and Squirrels Live Together?
WouterAlthough rats and squirrels are often mistaken for the same species, they are quite different. While they do live close to each other, they do not share the same habitat. Rats are scavengers and spend most of their time in residential areas. Squirrels, on the other hand, forage for food in nature and do not venture close to human residences.
Rats and squirrels are closely related, but they are different in appearance. Rats are nocturnal, and rely on their facial whiskers for navigation. This helps them avoid colliding with foreign objects in the dark. Unlike rats, squirrels mate twice a year and produce two litters of five to six offspring each.
Rats and squirrels can share an attic and can live in the same enclosure. Rats and squirrels can breed together, but it is important to keep in mind that they have different reproductive cycles. Rats reach sexual maturity soon after birth and can produce as many as five to ten litters per year. The most common breeding season for rats is in the summer, while for squirrels, the breeding season is in late winter and early spring.
Rats and squirrels are similar in size and lifespan. While a red squirrel can live for up to six years in the wild, it takes a female rat up to fifteen months to reach sexual maturity. Unlike their wild counterparts, rats do not hibernate, but they may exhibit reduced activity during the colder months.
