Red Squirrel
(Sciurus vulgaris)

Grey Squirrels are native to the UK but are now reduced in numbers due to the introduction of the alien Grey Squirrels from North America. There are thought to be only around 150,000 left in the UK compared to over 2 million Grey Squirrels. The Grey Squirrels carry a squirrel pox to which they are immune but Red Squirrels are not. They feed on acorns, shoots, flowers, nuts, roots and cereals and bury surplus food below the soil or in tree hollows. There are a few areas around the UK where they can still be seen including Wallington - Northumberland, Brownsea Island - Dorset, Formby - Merseyside, Mount Stewart - Co. Down and The Isle of Wight.