Eurasian Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

The Eurasian Red Squirrel is a forest squirrel native to Europe and northern Asia and is not native to the United States. Fur can be red, brown, gray, or almost black. In its native range, the species is often called simply the red squirrel; in the United States that name usually means the smaller American Red Squirrel.

Appearance

Appearance: The head-and-body length is about 8.7–10.6 in (22–27 cm), with a 5.9–8.3 in (15–21 cm) bushy tail. The underside is white or cream, and winter fur is thicker with more noticeable ear tufts.

Look-alikes

American Red SquirrelTamiasciurus hudsonicus

In the United States, a wild “red squirrel” is usually the American Red Squirrel; the Eurasian species is native to Europe and northern Asia. A photo without a location may not separate them reliably.

Why they get mixed upBoth are commonly called “red squirrel,” but they belong to different genera and live on different continents.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: conifer forests
mixed and deciduous woods
Range: Its native range stretches across Europe and northern Asia. It does not occur as a native wild squirrel in the United States.
Preferred conditions: Mature trees provide nest sites and a steady supply of cones, acorns, and other seeds.

Behavior

Diet: It mainly eats conifer seeds, beechnuts, acorns, and other nuts. Fungi, shoots, and fruit help fill out the diet when seeds are scarce.
Activity: It is active by day and does not hibernate. It buries or tucks away food in many small for later.
Social life: Adults are usually solitary, though several males may gather and chase a receptive female.

Life cycle

Breeding season: Litters are commonly born from late winter through summer, with timing influenced by food supply.
Nest: A female uses a tree hollow or a round nest built from twigs and softer plant material.
Gestation: Pregnancy lasts about 38–39 days.
Litter size: A litter usually has 3–7 young.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction
Status: Some regional populations have declined sharply.

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