Red squirrel

The red squirrel is a tree squirrel in the genus *Sciurus*, most commonly referring to *Sciurus vulgaris*, the Eurasian red squirrel.

The red squirrel most commonly refers to *Sciurus vulgaris*, the Eurasian red squirrel, a tree squirrel native across much of Europe and northern Asia. In Canada, the name usually refers to the American red squirrel (*Tamiasciurus hudsonicus*), a different species. The Eurasian red squirrel has declined in parts of its range, notably in the United Kingdom, due to competition from grey squirrels and habitat loss.

Taxonomy and description

The red squirrel usually refers to *Sciurus vulgaris*, a species of tree squirrel in the family Sciuridae. It varies in colour from pale ginger to dark brown, and often shows prominent ear tufts in winter.

Distribution and habitat

The species is native to much of Europe and northern Asia. It lives in coniferous, mixed, and broadleaved woodland, with strong populations in some northern and eastern forested regions.

Diet and behaviour

Red squirrels feed mainly on seeds, nuts, tree shoots, and other plant matter. They are agile climbers and are known for being vocal, with chattering and rattling calls.

Conservation in the United Kingdom

In the UK, red squirrels have declined greatly and survive mainly in Scotland, parts of northern England and Wales, and some offshore islands. Their decline is linked largely to competition from introduced grey squirrels and habitat pressures.