- Red squirrels are found across much of Europe and northern Asia
- The red squirrel has a typical head-and-body length of 19 to 23 cm (7.5 to 9 in)
- The red squirrel is a small squirrel with reddish to reddish-grey fur on top and a white or cream underside.
- Its curved front claws and powerful hind legs make it a very good climber and jumper!
- They spend almost all of their time in the tree canopy and rarely come down to the ground
- The squirrel makes a nest out of twigs in a branch-fork, this is lined with moss leaves, grass, and bark
- The seeds of various trees make up a large part of their diet. Aside from trees they feed on a variety of flowers, shoots, bulbs, and buds in the spring and fruit, berries and fungi in the autumn
- When a squirrel eats a cone, it works its way from the bottom up, normally leaving the top of the cone intact as these seeds are smaller and not worth the effort
- Food that is stashed in the fall is later dug up for winter and spring time meals. Red squirrels have a firm grasp on food storage. Using tree cavities or dens as their own pantries
- The red squirrel may migrate short distances when food supplies are low.
- Because the ankle joints are flexible and can be rotated, squirrels can rapidly descend trees headfirst
- The tail of a red squirrel is primarily used for balance and steering as the animal jumps from tree to tree in wooded areas. It may also keep the animal warm during sleep
- The red squirrel is most active in the early morning and the late afternoon
- Predators include small mammals such as the pine marten, wildcats and the stoat. They have a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age.
