Red Squirrel
Red Squirrel Facts
| Size | 5.9-7.8 inch (15-20 cm) |
| Speed | Up to 15.5 mph (25 km/h) |
| Weight | 7-14 oz (200-400 g) |
| Lifespan | 2-8 years |
| Food | Nuts, seeds, acorns, mushrooms, berries, eggs, young birds |
| Predators | Weasels, martens, foxes, lynxes, snakes, eagles, owls |
| Habitat | Europe, Asia |
| Order | Rodents |
| Family | Squirrels |
| Scientific name | Sciurus vulgaris |
| Characteristics | Small rodent with a bushy tail and tufted ears in winter |
Main Characteristics
Red squirrels are small, daytime-active rodents. They are easily recognized by their bushy tails and the tufts of hair on their ears. These creatures are famous for burying nuts, though they often forget where they hid some of them.
Species
The red squirrel is native to Europe and Asia. It can be red, brown, or black. Because of its various colors, many people think they are different species.
Family
In Europe, we mainly recognize the red squirrel, which energetically scurries up and down trees while gathering nuts. However, the squirrel family is much larger than most people realize, consisting of over 280 species. This includes the Oriental giant squirrel, ground squirrel, dwarf squirrel, and flying squirrel. Interestingly, marmots and prairie dogs are also part of the squirrel family.
Distribution and Habitat
Red squirrels can be found throughout Europe and Northern Asia. They inhabit coniferous, deciduous, and mixed forests, but you can also spot them in parks and gardens.
Way of Life
Red squirrels are not nocturnal. They are active during the day. They spend a lot of time foraging for food. These animals build nests where they rest, sleep, and raise their young. Most of the time, they live alone, with females only staying with their offspring during the rearing period.
Anatomy and Appearance
Size and Weight
Red squirrels typically measure 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in body length and weigh around 7-14 ounces (200-400 grams).
Ear Tufts
In winter, red squirrels grow long tufts of hair on their ears that stand upright. These hairs help protect the little rodent's sensitive hearing organs from the cold.
Whiskers
Red squirrels have sensory whiskers all over their bodies, including above their eyes, on their legs, and on their bellies. These whiskers are especially prominent and long on their snouts. They assist in sensing their surroundings, much like the antennae of a beetle. These whiskers are particularly useful at night when the squirrels' vision is not as sharp.
Color
Red squirrels often have a reddish-brown fur, but you can also find dark brown and black ones. Their bellies are always light-colored.
Tail
Squirrels have a long, bushy tail that is as long as their body, reaching up to 8 inches (20 cm). This tail helps them maintain balance and steer while jumping. As they leap from branch to branch, they can adjust their 'flight path' using their tail, much like a rudder on a ship.
Diet
Composition
Red squirrels are omnivores, primarily feeding on nuts, seeds, and fruits. They also consume buds, bark, tree sap, mushrooms, and various fruits. Additionally, they eat small invertebrates like worms and snails. Squirrels are known to raid bird nests, eating both eggs and nestlings.
Food Requirements
Squirrels consume 1-3 ounces (35-80 grams) of food each day. During the summer months, they tend to eat around 3 ounces (80 grams) due to their high activity levels and the need to care for their young. In contrast, 1 ounce (35 grams) is sufficient in winter to meet their energy needs. Each year, squirrels gather up to 4,000 nuts, which totals around 28,000 nuts over their lifetime.
Behavior
Winter
Red squirrels do not hibernate. Instead, they enter a state of winter rest. They require daily food to survive, so in the fall, they bury plenty of nuts and seeds in the ground. They rely on this stash during the cold months. However, they are much less active in winter, waking only to search for food, which helps them conserve energy.
How Do Squirrels Locate Buried Nuts?
"Where did I put that lovely hazelnut from yesterday?" Red squirrels are well-known for their tendency to be a bit forgetful. It's said that they often can't recall where they've hidden their "treasures". While it's true that they forget some hiding spots and thus miss out on a few nuts, they manage to find most of them. There are three main methods these animals use to rediscover buried food:
- By its smell
- By marking the spot
- By using their excellent memory
Where Do Red Squirrels Sleep?
Red squirrels sleep in trees at night. If they're not in one of their nests, they often rest on a thick branch. Unlike us, they aren't afraid of heights. During the day, these little rodents also enjoy taking a nap on a branch.
Senses and Abilities
Cracking Nuts
Red squirrels hold their food between their front paws while eating. To break open the tough shells of hazelnuts and walnuts, they first gnaw a small hole and then use their lower incisors as a lever to crack the nut.
Jumping Power
Red squirrels can leap distances of 13-16 feet (4-5 meters). They rarely fall because they can change direction mid-jump, aided by their bushy tails.
Enemies and Threats
Natural Predators
The natural predators of red squirrels include weasels, martens, foxes, lynxes, snakes, eagles, owls, and hawks.
Eastern Gray Squirrels
The Eastern gray squirrel originally hails from North America. However, it was brought over by travelers and subsequently released in Europe. This invasive species has reproduced rapidly and is better at finding food than the red squirrel. Additionally, it often carries a virus that, while not harmful to itself, can be deadly to red squirrels. It has spread significantly, especially in England and Northern Italy, nearly displacing the native species. As a result, gray squirrels are not allowed in many European countries.
Road Traffic
Red squirrels are quite adaptable and often make their homes in cities with plenty of trees. Unfortunately, their curious nature can lead to trouble, as they sometimes dart across roads and get hit by cars.
Life Expectancy
Typically, red squirrels have a lifespan of around 3 years, but in rare instances, they can live up to 10 years.
Importance for The Ecosystem?
Red squirrels act like gardeners. By burying nuts (and sometimes forgetting to dig them up), they help new trees grow in various locations. They also spread mushrooms and their spores in the process.
Helping Red Squirrels
Feeding Red Squirrels
Attracting red squirrels is quite simple: just offer them food! A regularly stocked feeding station makes it easier for these animals to find nourishment and reduces their stress, especially in urban areas where food is scarce. However, it does require some patience, as the squirrels may take a while to notice the food. They also need to thoroughly inspect the area to ensure their safety.
What Food Is Best for Red Squirrels?
Red squirrels thrive on walnuts, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and dried corn. They also enjoy small pieces of apples, pears, and grapes as tasty treats.
What Food Is Bad for Red Squirrels?
However, be cautious: squirrels should not eat peanuts or almonds. While they might consume them when hungry, these can lead to serious digestive issues and even be fatal. Peanuts can easily mold, and almonds may contain trace amounts of cyanide, which is harmful to squirrels.
Hanging a Feeding House
Find a Safe Spot
Red squirrels love bird feeders filled with walnuts and hazelnuts. It's best to place them in a quiet, sheltered spot, away from the road. Hanging the feeder at a height of about 7 feet (2 meters) is ideal. Whether on a balcony or a wall, ensure that the little critters can safely reach the feeder using a branch or other climbing aids.
No Feeding House With Flap
Beware: Most feeding houses come with a flap that the animal must open before it can grab a nut. However, this can lead to serious injuries if the door falls on the animal's neck, especially if it gets startled. It's best to choose a feeder without a door and place it in a sheltered area.
Water Bowl
During dry spells, squirrels struggle to find enough water. Providing a water bowl that is cleaned daily and filled with fresh water can save these animals from dehydration.
What to Do When You Find a Young Red Squirrel
When young red squirrels get lost, they may grab onto a person's leg. Don't worry! The best thing to do is gently pick them up and take them back to where they came from, if you know where that is.
Injured Red Squirrels
You shouldn't touch healthy adult animals because they might bite. But if you find an injured animal, you should definitely help it. The best way is to pick it up with gloves and take it to the vet.
Reproduction
Mating Season
Red squirrels typically mate twice a year, once from late January to early February, and if conditions are favorable (with plenty of food), they may also mate again in the summer between April and July.
Gestation Period and Birth
After around 38 days, typically 3-5 babies are born. At this stage, they are hairless, deaf, and blind. Within about two weeks, they develop fur, their eyes open after four weeks, and they leave the nest for the first time at six weeks.
Raising the Young
The young ones stay with their mother for several months before going their separate ways. Once the male offspring leave their mother, they establish their own territory, which they defend against other males. Female animals usually form small groups along with their young.
Drey
The red squirrel's nest is called a drey. It has a round shape and is made up of twigs, needles, leaves, moss, and grass. Its diameter ranges from 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm). Squirrels typically have two to eight dreys, which are spread throughout their territory, providing varying levels of shade and safety for nighttime rest.
Fun Facts
Brain Size
The brain of a squirrel is only about the size of a walnut!
The Red Squirrel Is Related To:
Animals in the Same Biome:
- Badger
- Common Blackbird
- Edible Dormouse
- Eurasian Jay
- Great Spotted Woodpecker
- Hedgehog
- Microbat
- Mouse
- Red Fox
- Raccoon
- Wolf
Sources:
- „The choice and handling of supplemental food by red squirrels in an urban park“ (https://www.sciencedirect.com)
Recommended Articles:
