Red squirrel

The red squirrel has variable colouration, from bright ginger to black. They grow ear tufts in winter, and the tail bleaches to white by summer in some individuals. Isolated populations in England and Wales; widespread but contracting in Scotland and Ireland.

Taxonomy chart

Animalia - Chordata - Mammalia - Rodentia - Sciuridae - Sciurus - S. vulgaris

Conservation status: UK Red List

GB: Endangered  

England: Endangered

Scotland: Near Threatened

Wales: Endangered

Global: Least Concern

Species information

Habitat: Upland & moorland, coniferous woodland.

Description: Fur colour variable from bright ginger through to red and dark brown or black tinged with grey in winter; larger ear tufts in mid-winter which disappear by the summer; bushy tail which bleaches white by late summer in some individuals.

Size: 18-20cm, tail about 17.5cm.

Weight: Juveniles: 100-150g; Adults up to 350g.

Lifespan: Up to six years in the wild.

Origin and distribution

Red squirrels spend about three-quarters of their active time above ground in trees and shrubs. They are at home in both conifer forests and broadleaved woodland. The distribution of red squirrels has declined drastically in the last 60 years and they are now extinct in southern England except for a few on the Isle of Wight and two small islands in Poole Harbour. Elsewhere in central Britain they are confined to rather isolated populations in Wales (notably Anglesey) and around Formby in Merseyside. Red squirrels are still widespread in the North of England and Scotland and in Ireland, but even here their range is contracting.

Diet

Their main foods are tree seeds, especially hazel nuts and seeds from conifer cones. They also eat tree flowers and shoots, mushrooms, and fungi from under tree bark. They often suffer periods of food shortage, especially during July.

General ecology

Red Squirrels are active during the daytime, though in summer may rest for an hour or two around mid-day. Squirrel nests, or dreys, are constructed of twigs in a tree fork above a whorl of branches close to the stem of a conifer or, less visibly, in a hole in a tree. They are lined with soft hair, moss and dried grass. Several squirrels may share the same drey, or use the same drey on different days.

Breeding

Breeding can begin in mid-winter and continue through the summer, depending on the weather and how much food is available. Mating chases occur when several males follow a female who is ready to mate. During chases squirrels make spectacular leaps through the tree canopy and spiral up and down tree trunks. Females have one or two litters a year, usually of about 2-3 young. Juveniles are weaned at around 10 weeks, but do not breed until they are one year old.

Conservation status

Red squirrels are protected by law, and may not be intentionally trapped, killed or kept, or have their dreys disturbed except under licence from Natural England (NE), the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) or  Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). Red squirrels are considered vulnerable in Britain. However, occasionally high densities in some Scottish forests can lead to economic damage to trees. In such cases, government agencies will assess whether to issue a licence to remove some of them.

Despite historically high numbers, the introduction of grey squirrels during the early 20th century greatly contributed to red squirrel decline through disease transfer and indirect competition (better foraging efficiencies). The only certain way to sustain red squirrel populations is through the exclusion of grey squirrels. This can be achieved through the creation of habitats favourable for only red squirrels, selective feeders or lethal exclusion. To improve the success of reintroductions further research is required.

Identification

Typical fur varies in colour from dark red/brown or grey/brown (appears greyer in winter) with white underside. However, extremes of colour exist and you sometimes see black or white squirrels. Distinctive ear tufts present in winter, not in summer.

Field signs: Download a printable field sign guide below.

Footprints: Tracks can be seen in mud, sand and snow. Squirrel leave tiny tracks, which can be easily overlooked. Forefoot width 2.5cm, length 3.5cm, hind foot width 3.5cm, length 4.5cm.

Feeding signs: The red squirrel eats nuts, acorns, berries and the cones of conifer trees (see photo). They split acorns and hazelnuts and leave rough often jagged edges. Pine cones are stripped but leave the top sections untouched.

Nests: The nests of red squirrel (and grey squirrel) are known as dreys. They are spherical collections (approx. 30cm across, at least 6m above the ground) of twigs and leaves which are usually located in the fork of the branches, close to the trunk. It is easier to observe these in winter, when there are fewer leaves on the trees. It is not  possible to distinguish between red and grey squirrel dreys.

Download resources

Field sign fact sheet