Red Squirrel

Category:

Actual Size: 11 to 14”, including tail

Characteristics: Known for their smaller size, red squirrels have red fluffy fur with a white underbelly. They have a characteristic thick white ring around their black eyes.

Habitat: Prefers to nest in conifer trees, building nests in tree branches. Will enter homes and use insulation as nesting material.

Habits: 

  • Territorial in behavior nesting in conifer trees.
  • Often confused for European red squirrels and fox squirrels.
  • Will nest outside of homes, but have been known to make their way indoors.


Red Squirrels in Suffolk County & Nassau County

The red squirrel is often known as the pine squirrel, chickaree, or North American red squirrel. Compared to other squirrels in the region, the red squirrel is much smaller. They are usually slightly larger than a chipmunk. It typically feeds on conifer cones They are considered granivores but may feed on other items. They have also been observed feeding on spruce buds, needles, mushrooms, flowers, and berries.

Red Squirrel Habitat

Red squirrels are widely dispersed throughout the North American continent, typically wherever conifer trees are found. They build their nests mostly out of grass and construct nests in tree branches. They very rarely nest below the ground. Usually, red squirrels have several nests in their respective territories. Red squirrels have been reported nesting in homes using insulation as their material.

Red Squirrel Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Red squirrels are known to be one of the more territorial species of squirrels. They are very active throughout the entire year. Female red squirrels give birth in the spring with three to seven offspring in each litter. Red squirrels prefer nesting in trees outside your home but, as mentioned previously, they have been known to make their way indoors. If they get inside, they could use your insulation as the material for their nesting. If you are having an issue with red squirrels, it is best to consult a professional wildlife control company for removal.