Red Squirrel Sciurus vulgaris

The Red Squirrel is the UK's only truly native squirrel. It is now present mainly in Scotland. It has been driven out of much of England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the introduced American Grey Squirrel which carries the squirrel-pox virus to which the Red has no immunity.

The Red Squirrel is smaller than the Grey but has the same nut hoarding/burying habits. It seems to be less likely to plunder birds nests.

The Red Squirrel is also present over much of temperate Eurasia. Some, as above, have a darker red coat. Tail colour also varies and some coats turn to grey in winter -- see linked page.