Mammal✓ Protected species
Red Squirrel
Sciurus vulgaris
What to do NOW
- 1Pick up with gloves — adult squirrel teeth can be painful
- 2Box with holes, soft cloth on the bottom
- 3Keep warm (25–28°C for young)
- 4Contact CRAS specialised in small mammals
NEVER do this
- Do not keep as a pet — it is illegal
- Do not give shop-bought nuts, dried fruit, or bread
- Do not release if from captivity or imprinted
Important note
Squirrel kits that fall from the nest need urgent warmth — hypothermia is the leading cause of death. Temperature at 30–32°C for hairless young. Do not feed without specific CRAS instructions: the milk formula and feeding technique are critical.
Legal protection
The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is protected by Law 157/1992. The North American grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is an invasive alien species — mandatory reporting if found.
Also known as
- Eurasian red squirrel
- baby squirrel
- squirrel kit
Did you find a red squirrel right now?
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