Wild Animals: Red Squirrel
If you think you have to go on safari to see some cool wild animals, then think again! We’ve tracked down some fascinating wild animals - and they can all be found living in the UK!
Red Squirrel
There was a time when the only squirrels in Britain were red. Unfortunately the introduction of their grey cousins led to their decline. A red squirrel is a prettier, smaller version of a grey squirrel, with reddish brown fur in the summer, which turns a deep chocolaty brown in the winter. They have a bushy tail just like a grey squirrel, but reds squirrels have tufty fur on their ears. Red Squirrels have become so rare that they are now on the World Conservation Union list of endangered species. In fact it's estimated that there are now only 160,000 left in the UK. They eat the same sort of foods as grey squirrels, such as nuts, seeds and berries and they store extra food by burying it.
Where could I spot one?
The best places to spot a red squirrel are Scotland, mid Wales and Anglesey, Northumberland Lancashire and Cumbria.