Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel - Sciurus vulgaris.jpg
Scientific Name: 
Sciurus vulgaris leucourus
Length: 
Up to 25cm long (45cm including tail).
Description: 
A small mammal, the red squirrel has a deep reddish brown coat, sometimes tinged grey on the underbelly and tail; the tail is approx. 20cm long.
Distribution: 
More commonly found in Scotland than in other areas of the British Isles, although Wales, parts of N Ireland, Isle of Wight and Brownsea island are also inhabited by this popular mammal.
Habitat: 
The red squirrel makes its nest or 'drey' in coniferous woodland where there are approximately one pair of red squirrels per acre.
Did You Know?: 
Squirrels are known for their habit of collecting and hiding food, often burying it in the ground. They are very territorial and will fight aggressively to protect their 'patch'.
Footprint Description: 

Hind foot has 5 digital pads with separate distinct, but fine claws.Interdigital pad large, with 3 fused lobes forming a curved shape.

Fore foot has 4 digital pads, with similar separate fine claw impressions, similar shaped interdigital pad to hind foot, but with 3 fused lobes. 

Footprint Size: 
Hind foot - 4.5x3.5cm, fore foot - 3.5x2.5cm. Stride approx 45cm at browsing pace.
Images of Tracks & Signs: 
P1020645-1021small.jpg
red squirrel cone.jpg
Tracks & Signs Description: 

Red Squirrel feeding signs on pine cones etc show roughly torn off scales.Smaller species leave much neater edges.Although cones may be eaten up in trees, where the discarded remains are dropped and fall to the ground, Reds also use tree stumps as feeding stations, where often lots of feeding remains may be found.

When a neatly chewed cone is found,which may signify the work of a Woodmouse, the location will give away the culprit - Woodmice will carry the cone to a sheltered spot in cover to feed, whereas Squirrels leave devoured cones at random out in the open. 

Droppings Description: 
Droppings are rounded, but not to the extent of those left by Rabbit, dark and around 0.6cm in diameter. Widely scattered around the woodland floor, and comprise of recognisable plant remains.