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Mammal✓ Protected species

Red Squirrel

Sciurus vulgaris

✓What to do NOW

  1. 1Pick up with gloves — adult squirrel teeth can be painful
  2. 2Box with holes, soft cloth on the bottom
  3. 3Keep warm (25–28°C for young)
  4. 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 squirrelbaby squirrelsquirrel kit

Did you find a red squirrel right now?

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