Squirrel
Known for nimbly scurrying up trees and burying stockpiles of nuts to get them through the winter, squirrels are a common sight in Scotland.
Worldwide, there are over 200 species of squirrel but Scotland is home to just two of them; the native red squirrel and the non-native grey squirrel.
Red squirrels are easy to recognise from their fiery, red fur and bushy tails. Sometimes they grow long tufts of fur on their ears.
Red squirrels are fully protected by law whereas grey squirrels are a non-indigenous species. Although grey squirrels have almost no legal protection, it is still an offence to cause a grey squirrel harm or unnecessary suffering.
Grey squirrels are the larger of the two species. Their coat is mostly grey but may have red-brown patches, particularly around the face and legs.
Where do squirrels live?
Squirrels can be spotted in Scotland’s woodlands, parks and gardens. They build messy nests, called dreys, in the trees using just about anything they can get their paws on such as twigs, leaves, moss, feathers, grass, bark and pine needles.
Dreys are usually located in the fork of a branch, tight against the tree trunk at least six metres up.
They can even repurpose an existing hole in a tree trunk as their den, lining it with similar materials.
What do squirrels eat?
Not only do trees offer protection but they are also a fantastic source of food for squirrels. Their diet consists of seeds, nuts, acorns, fruit, tree shoots, bark, lichen and fungi.
Squirrels in towns and villages also enjoy visiting bird feeders!
That's wild
Squirrels will bury seeds and nuts in autumn in preparation for the winter months when food is scarce.
When are baby squirrels born?
Squirrels can breed from December through to October. As part of their courtship behaviour, males can be seen chasing females through the trees with the hopes of mating. Females often mate with more than one partner and give birth to their first litter between February and April. Squirrels may have a second litter between May and August.
Red squirrels can breed all year round, giving birth to up to six babies, known as kits, per litter. They are born completely blind and deaf, with no fur. Within a few weeks, their fur will grow in and they will begin foraging for their own food when they are fully weaned after around 12 weeks.
If you come across a new born squirrel on their own, please call our helpline immediately on 03000 999 999. Kits with no fur will not survive and need expert care at our National Wildlife Rescue Centre.
Common problems for squirrels
Red squirrel population decline
The flash of a red squirrel leaping from branch to branch is an unforgettable but increasingly rare sight in Scottish woodlands. Red squirrels are fully protected in Scotland, meaning it is illegal to deliberately or recklessly kill, injure or disturb them. It is also an offence to disturb or damage their dreys, including cutting down trees without surveying.
Scotland is home to around 75% of the UK’s red squirrel population and sadly, they have almost disappeared from England and Wales. Once abundant, there are now approximately only 120,000 native red squirrels in Scotland.
This catastrophic population decline is primarily due to competition for food and living space from the invasive, non-native grey squirrel. Grey squirrels can also carry squirrelpox – a virus that greys can live with but is sadly lethal to reds.
Unfortunately, if grey squirrels come into our care, we cannot release them and by law, they must be put to sleep. The UK Government enforces legislation that determines that non-native, invasive species cannot be released into the wild; they must be humanely euthanised and we must operate within the law.
Loss of natural habitat
Woodland areas being destroyed or damaged has a huge impact of squirrel populations who rely on forests for shelter and food.
Road traffic accidents
Sadly, many squirrels are hurt or killed in road traffic collisions every year. Click here for further advice.
You can report road fatalities involving squirrels here.
Tangled or stuck
Ordinary items like football nets, fencing and even litter can pose a threat to squirrels. If you come across a squirrel who is trapped somewhere and can’t get free on their own, please contact our helpline on 03000 999 999.
It is common for squirrels to climb to safety when they feel threatened. They may appear to be ‘stuck’ on the side of a house or building, on a windowsill or on guttering and pipes. Often they are not hurt and do not need our help. They may be calling out to warn other squirrels in the area or to check that it is safe to come down. If there is no obvious sign of injury, leave the squirrel alone and try not to draw attention to them. They often will not come down until they feel safe or it begins to get dark. If the squirrel is still in the same place the next morning, call our helpline on 03000 999 999.
Predation from other animals
Squirrels can be preyed upon by other mammals like pine martens but may also be caught and injured by domestic animals.
If you come across an injured squirrel, please try to contain the animal by placing a box over them to prevent them wandering off and call our helpline on 03000 999 999.