RED SQUIRRELS: THE FACTS

RED SQUIRREL AT BACK OF BLAGDON HALL (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

We used to have a very healthy population of Red Squirrels on the estate until fairly recently when the grey squirrel started to move into the area. There are reds around, however they tend to hide when greys are in the area, thankfully we have not heard of any incidences locally of the fatal disease which is spread by the greys and has wiped out the red squirrel population in many parts of the country.
We work closely with The Wildlife Trust and Red Alert North East to try to control the spread of the grey squirrel and look after the remaining red population.

Below are some interesting facts that you may not know about red squirrels. (Thanks to Red Alert North East)

Latest news: Grey Squirrels.LATEST NEWS GREY SQUIRRELS

There are increasing numbers of greys being sighted, and recently incidents of reds affected by the squirrel pox, which is carried by the greys and is fatal to reds, have been reported at Wallington and near Hexham.

Anyone spotting a grey squirrel can report it on the squirrel hotline, 0845 3479375 or at www.saveoursquirrels.org.uk

Affected red squirrels appear to be slower than usual and almost tame. they then develop lesions around their eyes and mouth, become almost blind and struggle to eat because they are in pain. Sightings of ill reds should be reported to Castle Morpeth Wildlife ranger, Sam Talbot on 01670 535319, who can arrange for them to be captured and taken to Robson and Precott who will try and treat them.

Please help to protect the red squirrel, without our help they will be lost forever.

RED SQUIRREL FACTS

THEY STORE THEIR NUTS IN THE GROUND IN THE AUTUMN.

THEY DO NOT HIBERNATE OVER WINTER.

THEY CAN SWIM.

SQUIRRELS EAT NUTS,SEEDS,BUDS,BERRIES FLOWERS SHOOTS AND FRUIT FROM MANY TREES AND SHRUBS. THEY EAT FUNGII AND INSECTS OCCASIONALLY.

THEY CAN BE RIGHT OR LEFT HANDED WHEN EATING A PINE CONE.

SQUIRRELS MOULT THEIR COAT TWICE A YEAR, ONCE AFTER WINTER AND THEN AGAIN IN THE LATE SUMMER BEFORE IT GETS COLD AGAIN.

THEY MOULT THEIR EAR TUFTS ONLY ONCE A YEAR, IN LATE AUTUMN.

THEIR SCIENTIFIC NAME IS SCIURUS VULGARIS.

THEY CAN LIVE TO SIX YEARS OF AGE.

THEY HAVE FOUR FINGERS AND FIVE TOES.

THEY ARE NOT ALWAYS RED IN COLOUR, THEY CAN BE BROWN, ALMOST BLACK OR QUITE GREY!

THEY CAN HANG UPSIDE DOWN.

SQUIRRELS LIVE IN A NEST HIGH IN A TREE MADE FROM TWIGS, LEAVES AND MOSS. THIS IS CALLED A DREY.

THEIR YOUNG ARE CALLED KITTENS.

KITTENS ARE BORN WITH THEIR EYES CLOSED, NO TEETH AND NO HAIR. AFTER ABOUT SEVEN WEEKS THEY LOOK JUST LIKE SMALL VERSIONS OF THEIR PARENTS AND ARE READY TO LEAVE THE DREY.

THERE CAN BE TWO LITTERS A YEAR WITH 3-4 KITTENS IN EACH LITTER.

THEY WEIGH ABOUT 275-300 gms. THIS IS THE SAME AS FOUR MARS BARS OR A PACKET OF BISCUITS.

LEGNTH OF BODY IS 20-22cm.AND THE TAIL IS 17-18cm.