Red squirrels are smaller than grey squirrels. They have distinct reddish-brown fur, tufted ears, and a long, bushy tail. They are native to Britain and were once widespread across the UK, including Wales. However, their population has declined significantly over the years. The main threat to red squirrels in Wales is the grey squirrel. Grey squirrels were introduced to the UK from North America in the 1870s. They are larger, more aggressive, and can compete better for food and nesting sites than red squirrels. Grey squirrels also carry a disease called squirrelpox that they are immune to, but that is fatal to red squirrels. Habitat loss and deforestation have also contributed to decline in red squirrel populations. Red squirrels are now a protected species in Wales, and conservation groups are working to increase their numbers.
Red squirrels prefer to build their nests, called dreys, in pine forests and woodlands with both evergreen and broadleaf trees. They mainly eat seeds, nuts, and fungi, and sometimes bird eggs and insects. Red squirrels are also known for their characteristic behaviour of storing food to help them survive the winter. Spending most of their time in trees, they are agile climbers well known for their acrobatic leaps between branches. Their appearance and behaviour changes between seasons. In summer, their fur is often redder and brighter. In winter, their fur can become greyer and duller. Red squirrels do not hibernate, but may be less active during the colder months, relying on their food stores.