Eurasian Red Squirrel

The red squirrel is a species of tree squirrel in the genus Sciurus common throughout Europe and Asia. The red squirrel is an arboreal, primarily herbivorous rodent. In Great Britain, Ireland, and in Italy numbers have decreased drastically in recent years. Red squirrels rely on a range of woodland habitats, from conifer forest to broadleaf woodland. They feed, nest and breed in trees and need good amounts of well-managed woodland to survive. Changes to either the type of tree or the design of the woodland can significantly affect populations. The nesting habits are similar to the Gray Squirrel, although the Red Squirrels prefer nesting in conifers. The nest is constructed of shredded bark from a grapevine and located in a hollow or fallen tree, a hole in the ground, a hummock, or a tree crotch. Sometimes red squirrels nest in holes at the base of trees. Range and Habitat: The range of the red squirrel is from the tree line of North America south into the northern U.S., the Northeast, and continuing in the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains. Red Squirrels are typically found around areas with coniferous trees as their main food source is pine cones. They also enjoy eating seeds, grains, nuts, fruit, flowers, sap, fungus, eggs and insects.

Conservation status: Least Concern (Population decreasing)

Mass: 12 oz (Adult)

Gestation period: 38 days

Trophic level: Omnivorous

Scientific name: Sciurus vulgaris

Length: 8.4 in. (Adult)

Higher classification: Sciurus