Red squirrel

Sciurus vulgaris

Red squirrel standing on hind legs in the grass looking to the left. IMAGE: Laura Moore 2022

Status

NE DD LC NT VU EN CR EW EX

For more info on classifications visit www.iucnredlist.org

See the free ranging wild red squirrels at our feeding station in Wolf Wood. Up to a dozen different red squirrels visit for food every day.

Population

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Decreasing

Diet

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Herbivore

Habitat

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Forest

Fact file

  • Red squirrels are known for their striking orange-red fur, but their colouration can in fact vary from ginger to brown

  • Red squirrels are native to the UK and have lived here for around 10,000 years

  • Red squirrels can be left- or right-handed or even ambidextrous!

  • They were once found across the UK, but have disappeared from most of the country due to the introduction of grey squirrels

Red squirrel looking to the left IMAGE: Amy Middleton 2022

How we're helping

As a wildlife conservation charity, we care for the animals here at the park and work to protect species at risk around the world. From providing expertise in genetics and veterinary health to protecting wild places with local conservation partners, and even restoring threatened species to the wild, we are active where we are needed most.

Find out more about RZSS conservation