Red Squirrel (Ekorre)

Characteristics:
The red squirrel is a small tree-dwelling rodent with a long bushy tail and agile body. Body length 18–25 cm, tail 15–20 cm, and weight 250–400 g. The fur varies from reddish-brown to grey, depending on season and individual. The underside is always white, and in winter the squirrel develops ear tufts and a thicker, greyer coat. The tail is used for balance, warmth, and protection from rain.

Habitat:
The red squirrel is found throughout Sweden, from Skåne to Lapland, and lives in forests, parks, and gardens. It prefers mixed and coniferous forests with plenty of cone-bearing trees, especially spruce and pine.

Behaviour:
The squirrel is diurnal (active during the day) and highly agile. It moves quickly among branches and rarely stays on the ground for long. It is solitary, though several individuals may share the same area when food is abundant. During autumn, squirrels collect and store nuts, seeds, and fungi in the ground for winter. They do not hibernate but rest during colder periods in their nests.

Diet:
The red squirrel is mainly herbivorous, feeding on seeds from conifers, nuts, berries, fungi, and buds, but will also eat insects, bird eggs, and nestlings when other food is scarce.

Reproduction:
Mating occurs in February–March, and sometimes again in summer. Females usually have two litters per year, with 3–6 young per litter. The nest, called a drey, is built in trees from twigs, moss, and leaves. The young are born blind and hairless but begin to climb after 6–8 weeks.

Tracks and signs:

• Tracks: Clear bounding prints in snow – the large hind feet (5–6 cm) land in front of the smaller front prints.
• Cone remains: Gnawed pine or spruce cones with characteristic bite marks under trees.
• Nest (drey): Round structure made of twigs and moss, usually placed in spruce trees.
• Droppings (scat): Small round pellets, 5–6 mm, dark brown.

Distribution:
The red squirrel occurs throughout Europe and northern Asia. In Sweden it is common and widespread, well adapted to both forests and urban areas. Population levels fluctuate depending on cone production and food availability.

Hunting:
The red squirrel is a game species in Sweden and may be hunted from 1 October to 28 February. However, hunting is rare and mostly conducted for fur, study, or population control. Common methods include trapping or stalking.

Firearm class (Sweden):
Hunting squirrels is done with class 4 rifles or shotguns (common pellet sizes no. 6–7).

Think for the hunting exam:

• Small rodent with reddish fur and bushy tail.
• Day-active and lives mainly in trees.
• Feeds on seeds, nuts, and fungi.
• Builds a drey in trees and stores food for winter.
• Tracks: bounding pattern, gnawed cones under trees.
• Hunted with class 4 rifle or shotgun, mainly in winter.