A to Z of Pests

Red Squirrel

Sciurus vulgaris

Appearance

• Adult head-body length: 20 – 22 cm; tail 18 cm. Weight 280 – 350 g.
• Upper body chestnut in colour, with buff to cream underside, ear tufts and a fluffy tail.

Lifecycle

• Two litters of three to four kittens are produced per year, usually in March and July.
• Juveniles are weaned at around 10 weeks old, but do not breed until they are one year old.
• They can survive for up to six years in the wild.

Habits

• They prefer woodland that contains a fair proportion of conifer trees.
• They are active during the day with most of this time spent foraging.