Red Squirrel

The red squirrel is a small, tree-dwelling mammal with a reddish-brown coat and tufted ears. Agile and intelligent, it can live up to seven years in the wild, though many survive for less due to predators and competition.

Red squirrels spend most of their lives in the treetops, leaping between branches in search of food. Their diet is varied, including seeds, nuts, fungi, berries, and occasionally bird eggs. Much like humans planning ahead, they cache food in the ground or in tree crevices to survive the winter. By burying seeds and sometimes forgetting them, they play a vital role in forest regeneration, making them important contributors to woodland ecosystems.

However, red squirrels are increasingly threatened. The introduction of the larger North American grey squirrel to Europe has devastated populations. Greys outcompete reds for food and space, and carry the squirrelpox virus, which is fatal to red squirrels but harmless to greys. Habitat loss from logging and urban growth further reduces their chances of survival.

Conservation projects are working to protect woodlands and raise awareness of the red squirrel’s plight. Without these efforts, this cherished species could disappear from much of its historic range.

#BeWild

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Love red squirrels? Us too. But they're in real danger of being lost forever and currently have an ENDANGERED status.

Funds are urgently required to save some of the most beautiful creatures on earth.

Do something amazing today and purchase the RED SQUIRREL pin badge where the funds raised will support the feeding of red squirrels on the Isle of Wight, UK. 

Thank you!

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