Red Squirrel
ExploreMammal
Red Squirrel
Sciurus vulgaris
Red squirrels are small, lively rodents with reddish fur. They are quick climbers and love eating seeds.
Habitat: Conifer forests and woodlands.
Appearance
The Red Squirrel has a vibrant reddish-brown coat that can vary from bright ginger to dark chestnut, with a creamy-white belly. Unlike the larger Grey Squirrel, it lacks white fur on its tail and often grows distinctive ear tufts, especially in winter. Its bright, bushy tail is nearly as long as its body.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusSciurus
Category
MammalRarity
Common
Danger
2/5
Snaps
17
Interesting facts
A Red Squirrel can leap over 2 meters between branches, showing off its incredible agility!
Red Squirrels don't hibernate; they just take long naps and rely on their buried food stashes.
Their ear tufts can grow several centimeters long, making them look extra fancy in winter!
These squirrels can recognize their own buried food by smell, even if other squirrels have touched it.
Special abilities
Ability
Super Sniffer
Red Squirrels can smell buried nuts and seeds even under snow, helping them find hidden winter food stashes.
Ability
Acrobatic Climber
Red Squirrels have sharp claws and flexible ankles that let them quickly climb up and down trees, even headfirst!
Ability
Food Planter
Red Squirrels bury seeds and nuts, helping new trees grow in their forests by forgetting some of their hidden treasures.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 19-28 cm
- Weight
- 0.25-0.35 kg
- Lifespan
- 3-7 years
- Top Speed
- 25 km/h
- Litter Size
- 3-5
- Gestation
- 38-39 days
Diet & Feeding
Red Squirrels mostly munch on seeds, nuts, and fungi, but sometimes enjoy a tasty insect.
Primary Foods
- conifer seeds
- hazelnuts
- acorns
- mushrooms
- tree bark
- bird eggs
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Pine Marten
Martes martes
A natural predator, hunting squirrels in the forest canopy.
eaten by
Northern Goshawk
Accipiter gentilis
A powerful bird of prey that can snatch squirrels from trees.
eats
English Oak
Quercus robur
Squirrels rely on acorns from oak trees as a vital food source.
eats
Norway Spruce
Picea abies
They extract seeds from cones of spruce trees, especially in coniferous habitats.
Traits
Wildlife
Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!
Furry
Find adorable animals covered in a cozy coat of soft fur! Their fur helps them stay warm and protected in different environments.
Solitary
Meet animals that enjoy their independence! These creatures prefer to live by themselves, finding food and shelter on their own.
Arboreal
Climb high with animals who love living in trees! These agile creatures find their food, shelter, and even raise their families among the branches.
Herbivorous
Meet the peaceful munchers and grazers who find all their nourishment from plants, leaves, and fruits. They transform plant energy into life!
Forest
These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.
Nocturnal
Explore the secret world of animals that come alive at night! They are wide awake when it's dark, using their amazing senses to find food and play.
Also known as
Eurasian Red SquirrelEuropean Red Squirrel
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5
Do not feed squirrels — they can bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Red Squirrel?
19-28 cm
How much does Red Squirrel weigh?
0.25-0.35 kg
How long does Red Squirrel live?
3-7 years
How fast can Red Squirrel move?
25 km/h
What does Red Squirrel eat?
Red Squirrels mostly munch on seeds, nuts, and fungi, but sometimes enjoy a tasty insect.
Where is Red Squirrel usually found?
Conifer forests and woodlands.
How does Red Squirrel hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Red Squirrel usually have?
3-5
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
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Vienna, AT
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Bern, CH
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