Red Squirrels

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Scientific name:  Sciurus vulgaris

Size:  Body length is up to 20cm, and the tail is around 18cm

Distribution:  Rare in southern England, but can be found on the Isle of Wight, Brownsea Island, the north of England, Wales, Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland

Months seen:  All year round

Habitat:  Mostly seen in coniferous woodland

Food:  Nuts and seeds

Special features:  In summer, the fur of the Red squirrel is a bright chestnut colour, and the bushy tail gradually bleaches to a cream colour.  In winter the fur is a much darker brown, and the ear tufts grow longer.

The Red squirrel has been resident in the UK since the last ice age, whereas the Grey squirrel was introduced more recently from North America.  It is thought that Red Squirrels were one of the last mammals to colonise the UK before it became separated from mainland Europe by the sea.  Click here for a list of places to see red squirrels.

Related Pages

• UK Safari Mammal Section
• What's Out Now?