Top 10 Biggest Squirrels In The World

Squirrels are a common sight in many parts of the world, and these small, agile rodents have captured the hearts of nature enthusiasts and curious observers alike. With their bushy tails, boundless energy, and remarkable acrobatics, squirrels are fascinating creatures that play essential roles in their ecosystems.

These puny rodents come from the Sciuridae family comprising hundreds of different species worldwide. By burying nuts and seeds, they inadvertently aid in the dispersal and germination of various plant species. They also serve as prey for many predators, including birds of prey, snakes, and mammals like foxes and coyotes, helping to maintain a balanced food web.

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Here we would like to share with you the top 10 biggest squirrels in the world and their unique backgrounds.

10. Tufted Ground Squirrel (11 - 14 Inches)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Tufted Ground Squirrel (Rheithrosciurus macrotis), also known as the Tufted Squirrel or the Mindanao Pygmy Squirrel, is a relatively large and enigmatic squirrel species found on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. They can also be found in other parts of Southeast Asia.

The Tufted Ground Squirrel can grow to an average body length ranging from 15 to 20 centimeters (6 to 8 inches) and a tail length of approximately 13 to 16 centimeters (5 to 6 inches).

These squirrels are characterized by their striking and contrasting coloration. They typically have dark brown to black fur on their back, which sharply contrasts with the creamy or pale orange fur on their belly.

9. Mountain Ground Squirrel (12 - 18 Inches)

The Mountain Ground Squirrel, also known as the Spermophilus or Ictidomys species, is a small, ground-dwelling rodent that has adapted to life in the challenging, high-altitude environments of mountainous regions across North America and Eurasia.

Mountain Ground Squirrels are relatively small, typically measuring around 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches) in length, with their tails adding an additional 10 to 15 centimeters (4 to 6 inches).

Their fur coloration can vary among species and regions, but they often have a mix of gray, brown, and white fur that provides some camouflage against their rocky, alpine surroundings. As their name suggests, Mountain Ground Squirrels are adapted to life in mountainous terrains, including alpine meadows, rocky slopes, and subalpine forests.

8. Laotian Flying Squirrel (15 - 20 Inches)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Laotian Flying Squirrel (Biswamoyopterus laoensis) is a remarkable and relatively rare flying squirrel species found in Southeast Asia. The Laotian Flying Squirrel is a medium-sized species, with a body length ranging from 22 to 30 centimeters (8.7 to 11.8 inches) with its tail measuring approximately 16 to 20 centimeters (about 6.3 to 7.9 inches)

Its distinctive, large, membrane-covered patagium (gliding membrane) stretches from its wrists to its ankles, enabling it to glide between trees. This squirrel's fur varies in color depending on its geographic range, but it typically includes shades of brown or gray on its dorsal side and a paler or white belly.

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It inhabits a variety of forested habitats, including tropical rainforests, mixed deciduous forests, and bamboo groves.

7. Forest Giant Squirrels (22 - 44 Inches)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Forest Giant Squirrels, belonging to the genus Ratufa, are a group of charismatic rodents renowned for their large size, striking appearance, and remarkable arboreal acrobatics. These magnificent squirrels are primarily found in the dense forests and lush canopies of South and Southeast Asia.

Forest Giant Squirrels are notable for their substantial size compared to other squirrel species. They can measure anywhere from 25 to 50 centimeters (10 to 20 inches) in body length, with their long, bushy tails adding an additional 30 to 60 centimeters (12 to 24 inches).

Various species within the Ratufa genus can exhibit shades of reddish-brown, deep maroon, black, and cream. Forest Giant Squirrels are well adapted to life in the treetops and are primarily found in tropical and subtropical forests.

6. Kashmir Flying Squirrel (24 - 26 Inches)

Credit: The Kashmir Monitor

The Kashmir Flying Squirrel (Petaurista elegans) is a remarkable and elusive species of flying squirrel that inhabits the dense forests and mountainous regions of the Himalayas, particularly in the Kashmir Valley and surrounding areas.

The Kashmir Flying Squirrel is a medium-sized flying squirrel with a body length of approximately 20 to 25 centimeters (8 to 10 inches). Its distinctively long, bushy tail can measure up to 40 centimeters (16 inches).

What sets the Kashmir Flying Squirrel apart from typical squirrels is its gliding membrane, known as the patagium. This membrane is like a wing structure that allows the squirrel to glide gracefully between trees. Their fur is soft and varies in color from cinnamon brown to gray.

5. Western Woolly Flying Squirrel (22 - 32 Inches)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The Western Woolly Flying Squirrel (Eupetaurus cinereus) is a rare and enigmatic species of flying squirrel found in the mountainous regions of South Asia. These nocturnal creatures are known for their remarkable gliding abilities and unique adaptations.

Western Woolly Flying Squirrels are relatively large among flying squirrel species, with a body length ranging from 30 to 45 centimeters (12 to 18 inches) and a tail length of approximately 25 to 35 centimeters (10 to 14 inches).

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Their dense, woolly fur is characterized by a mix of gray, brown, and black tones on their dorsal side. They tend to  active at night, foraging for food and gliding gracefully between trees in search of resources.

4. Olympic Marmot (24 - 32 Inches)

The Olympic Marmot (Marmota olympus) is a charming and unique rodent species endemic to the Olympic Peninsula in the state of Washington, USA. This marmot species holds the distinction of being the largest marmot in North America.

They typically measure between 47 to 60 centimeters (18 to 24 inches) in length, including their relatively short tail. Adult marmots can weigh anywhere from 3 to 7 kilograms (6.6 to 15.4 pounds).

These marmots have a distinctive and striking appearance. Their fur is primarily brown, with a lighter shade on their backs and a creamy or yellowish belly. Olympic Marmots are hibernators, and they enter a period of dormancy during the winter months when food becomes scarce.

3. Abert's Squirrel (26 - 30 Inches)

Abert's Squirrel (Sciurus aberti), also known as the tassel-eared squirrel, is a striking and charismatic tree squirrel species native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It was named after the American naturalist John James Abert who organized the effort to map the American West in the 19th century.

Abert's Squirrels are relatively large among tree squirrels, with a body length ranging from 40 to 50 centimeters (16 to 20 inches) and a bushy tail that can measure up to 25 centimeters (10 inches).

Their fur is primarily grayish-brown to dark gray on their backs, with a creamy white to pale gray belly. It also has a distinctive "tassel" or ear tufts, which are long, prominent tufts of hair on each ear.

2. Indian Giant Squirrel (34 - 42 Inches)

The Indian Giant Squirrel (Ratufa indica), also known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel, is a magnificent arboreal rodent species that inhabits the lush forests of the Indian subcontinent.

It can measure up to 35 to 45 centimeters (14 to 18 inches) in length, excluding its long and bushy tail, which can add an additional 50 to 60 centimeters (20 to 24 inches). Its fur ranges from rich shades of red, orange, and maroon to dark brown or black, with a contrasting white or cream-colored belly.

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They can also be found in countries such as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan. Their habitat includes evergreen and deciduous forests, as well as montane forests in hilly regions.

1. Red And White Giant Flying Squirrel (36 - 44 Inches)

Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Petaurista alborufus, commonly known as the Red and White Giant Flying Squirrel, is an impressive species of flying squirrel found in parts of Southeast Asia. This species is known for its vibrant reddish-brown fur and remarkable gliding abilities.

It is considered the biggest squirrel in the world measuring around 40 to 50 centimeters (16 to 20 inches) in length, with its tail accounting for an additional 50 to 60 centimeters (20 to 24 inches).

As the name states, this squirrel is characterized by its striking coloration. It has reddish-brown fur on its back, which sharply contrasts with the creamy white fur on its belly.

Also read: Top 6 Biggest Lizards In The World