Scientific name:  Sciurus vulgaris

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

Distribution:  Rare in southern England. 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 is a native of the UK, unlike the Grey squirrel which was introduced from North America.  It was one of the last mammals to colonise these islands before the UK was separated from mainland Europe by the sea.  Click here for a list of places to see red squirrels.

Related Pages

• Where to See Red Squirrels
• Red Squirrel E-card
• Warning: Squirrels May Contain Nuts!
• Grey Squirrel Fact File
• UK Safari Mammal Section
• UK Safari News