Red Squirrel - Sciurus Vulgaris

Highlands, Scotland.

The red squirrel is found in both coniferous forest and temperate broadleaf woodlands. The squirrel makes a drey (nest) out of twigs in a branch-fork, forming a domed structure about 25 to 30 cm in diameter. This is lined with moss, leaves, grass and bark. Tree hollows and woodpecker holes are also used. The red squirrel is a solitary animal and is shy and reluctant to share food with others. However, outside the breeding season and particularly in winter, several red squirrels may share a drey to keep warm. Social organization is based on dominance hierarchies within and between sexes; although males are not necessarily dominant to females, the dominant animals tend to be larger and older than subordinate animals, and dominant males tend to have larger home ranges than subordinate males or females.

Red squirrels that survive their first winter have a life expectancy of 3 years. Individuals may reach 7 years of age, and 10 in captivity. Survival is positively related to availability of autumn–winter tree seeds; on average, 75–85% of juveniles die during their first winter, and mortality is approximately 50% for winters following the first.

Although not thought to be under any threat worldwide, the red squirrel has nevertheless drastically reduced in number in the United Kingdom; especially after the grey squirrels were introduced from North America in the 1870s. Fewer than 140,000 individuals are thought to be left in 2013; approximately 85% of which are in Scotland, with the Isle of Wight being the largest haven in England. A local charity, the Wight Squirrel Project,[26] supports red squirrel conservation on the island, and islanders are actively recommended to report any invasive greys. The population decrease in Britain is often ascribed to the introduction of the eastern grey squirrel from North America, but the loss and fragmentation of its native woodland habitat has also played a role.

In January 1998, eradication of the non-native North American grey squirrel began on the North Wales island of Anglesey. This facilitated the natural recovery of the small remnant red squirrel population. It was followed by the successful reintroduction of the red squirrel into the pine stands of Newborough Forest. Subsequent reintroductions into broadleaved woodland followed and today the island has the single largest red squirrel population in Wales. Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour is also populated exclusively by red rather than grey squirrels (approximately 200 individuals).

Little Red squirrel - County Durham Uk

All the very best to everyone in 2021 ❤️

all mine!!

Well Fed,Burton Mere Rspb :-)

Red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) standing upright on a grassy ground.

Wiewiórka (Sciurus vulgaris) stojąca słupka na trawiastej ziemi.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Red Squirrel - Scirius Vulgaris

Highlands, Scotland.

Thanks to all who take the time to Comment/Fav etc..Always appreciated.

one more fron November last year

I saw this in the Florida Keys. It posed, so that I could make a photo.

These squirrels are certainly on the large side measuring up to 16 inches in length. This one photographed near the summit of Logan Pass in Montana was found in their typical mountain habitat.

At the time I took this photograph I didn't posses a zoom lens. As such even with a small crop it can be seen how tame the squirrel was.

Taken yesterday in my garden, the snow has nearly all gone now!

In the morning i tried to find this squirrel and finally I found it. :)

Caught this little guy carrying off the fruits of his labor

Taken in The Stumpery in Golders Hill Park, a great place for squirrels as well as tulips.

Red Squirrel - Scirius Vulgaris

Abernethy Forest, Cairngorms

Squirrels are members of the family Sciuridae, a family that includes small or medium-size.

squirrel in the park

Sunshine Meadows

Banff National Park, Canada

Presumably a Columbian Ground Squirrel, which are found in the Rocky Mountains in western Canada and US.

Squirrel

Squirrel close up

Squirrel Hanging Out looking for peanuts after a brief rain, enjoying the fresh air, shot in North Carolina.

A little squirrel's baby 🌷😊 May 2018.

No need to comment this photo because I'm off (business trip) and can't respond. But thank you very much for your visit and love, my dear Flickr friends! 💕🌺

***

👉 © All my photos are protected by Copyright Laws. Please respect that. Using my photos without permission is illegal.

© Kaikki valokuvani ovat copyright suojattuja.

Jos haluat käyttää niitä, ole ystävällinen ja ota minuun yhteyttä.

22 new shots in my Squirrels 2022 album:

www.flickr.com/photos/wolfgang-kynast/albums/721777202956...

my Best Of Squirrels 2021 album:

www.flickr.com/photos/wolfgang-kynast/albums/721777202954...

my Best Of Squirrels 2020 album:

www.flickr.com/photos/wolfgang-kynast/albums/721577176022...

Explored squirrels:

www.flickr.com/photos/wolfgang-kynast/albums/721577180982...

Another squirrel eating a nut. I love this ones color and bushy tail.

Watching & listening! A wee red squirrel at the feeders up at rspb Loch Leven yesterday

Oak Hammock Marsh, Manitoba Canada

Recently learned that this species, the Eastern Grey Squirrel, is actually an invasive species in my area.

Top model.