Red squirrel
Sciurus vulgaris
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.
These charming native rodents are easily identified by their distinctive reddish-brown fur, bushy tails and characteristic ear tufts, which are particularly prominent in winter.
Unlike the larger, more common grey squirrel, red squirrels are a protected species in the UK, where their populations have significantly declined due to habitat loss and competition from the introduced grey squirrel.
Population
Decreasing
Diet
Herbivore
Habitat
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!
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