Good day everyone and welcome back to Voiceforwildlife where today we are delving deep into the life of one of the United Kingdoms 'cutest' mammals - the Red Squirrel.
Red squirrels are much smaller than the far more common and widespread grey squirrel, at around 20cm long with a tail length up to 25cm long. These mammals are coated in a thick layer of Hazel-red fur that spreads across the back of the body until just short of the nose, with also being equipped with a bushy tail a darker shade of brown-red. The nose and stomach is a crisp snow-white with two oval shaped ears projecting from the head, covered by a small layer red fur on the outside. Their eyes are a pitch twilight black surrounded by a thin circle of white. In winter, as snow plummets, their fur thickens immensely, growing up around the ears giving them long elf-like tufts in order to keep them warm.
These mammals could once be found in coniferous woodland across the entire United Kingdom however they are now isolated to certain areas in the south of England and a wide part of Scotland. This is due to the increasing population the North American grey squirrels introduced here in 1870s. They spread a Virus called squirrel pox to any red squirrel they come across, themselves being immune to this disease, which causes a 100% death rate in every effected 'Red'. An infected creature will grow large ulcers around the body and parts will begin to swell before the squirrel unfortunately dies just 15 days later. If you find a squirrel with early signs of infection then there is a small chance a vet could cure it before a fatality occurs. Charities such as the @rspb_love_nature and the @thewildlifetrusts work together, improving habitat's and grey squirrel management to ensure the Red Squirrels future survival. Smaller, lesser known groups gather in and around certain areas to (legally and humanely) clear the Greys, allowing the Reds to reclaim their lost territories. If you are interested in seeing a Red Squirrel then places such as Abernethy, Poole Harbour and the Isle of Wight are all popular sights.
These mammals, being found in woodland, tend to feed on hazel nuts and other seeds that have sprouted from plants. Moreover they will feed on fungi growing in shaded, damp areas of the forest floor or young tree shoots. They will cash any food that will last as there is usually a shortage of food from June-August.
Breeding begins from winter and spreads through to summer, with courtship chases occurring throughout. This is shown through winding chases up and around tree trunks, with dangerous leaps spread throughout. A female will only have up to two litters per year, each containing an average of three young in an untidy make-shift nest.
So on your next wildlife adventure, make a special trip to visit the humble Red Squirrel, as you never know how long this wonder of nature will be around.
(No credit is taken for the photo)
-please feel free to ask any questions you may have-