Here in the UK, we have two different species of squirrel: grey and red. Grey squirrels are far more common, even though they were only introduced from North America about 150 years ago. Have you seen them scuttling through woodland or scampering up trees in the park?
Red squirrels, on the other hand, have been living here for about 10,000 years! They’re smaller than grey squirrels and have tufty ears and big, bushy tails. But sadly, red squirrels find it very difficult to live alongside grey squirrels, because it’s easy for them to catch diseases and there’s too much competition for food.
Because of this, grey squirrels have replaced red squirrels in most parts of England and Wales.
There are still places, however, where you can see red squirrels in the wild. Off the coast of Dorset in England, near YHA Swanage, Brownsea Island is famous for its red squirrels.
In North Wales, meanwhile, the island of Anglesey is another great place for spotting these lovable little creatures. YHA has various hostels near the island. Why not plan a squirrel-watching trip?
Factfile
1. They like eating hazelnuts by cracking the shells in two, and also enjoy nibbling away at pine cones.
2. A squirrel nest is called a drey. Red squirrels make their dreys from bark, twigs and leaves, high up in the trees.
3. Red squirrels are also found in a few other parts of England, such as the Isle of Wight, the Lake District and Northumberland.
4. Unlike some mammals, neither red or grey squirrels hibernate.
5. A red squirrel’s tail is almost as big as the rest of its body! It varies in colour from a dark brown to a pale white.
Want to go wildlife spotting? Here are nine hostels primed for a wildlife-themed break.
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