It was lovely to see the Red Squirrels at nearby Peak Wildlife Park earlier this week.
We have plenty of their grey cousins in and around our garden - usually hanging from the bird feeders or burying stones from the gravel path in the grass - but we have only ever seen red squirrels in the wild in Lancashire and in Scotland. I remember seeing them as a child on holiday on the Isle of Wight.
These squirrels aren't truly in the wild of course but they are free to roam in a large enclosed area through which vistors can walk.
We spent half an hour, completely alone with two squirrels. Watching them, taking photos and enjoyng their antics as they bounced around, scampering across paths and up and down trees. It was all quite delightful.
These red squirrels are part of a national breeding programme to enable the build up of a good population for releasing into the wild or to other programmes to enable a growth in the red squirrel population. These dainty little creatures are the only squirrel native to the UK.
Red squirrels are small and agile with extremely good eyesight. They are about 22cm tall and their tail is as long again. They weigh about 300g.
Their luxurious tails, which become thicker in winter, are used for balance, warmth and signalling.
They develop their distinctive tufty ears in winter. They have a life expectancy of three to seven years in the wild up to ten in captivity as they receive regular veterinary care and are safe from predators and diseases especially those passed on by contact with grey squirrels.
At eleven o'clock on the dot the keeper arrived with food. By this time there were other visitors too and the squirrels came to eat. Apparently they can be quite picky with food and like lots of variety.
It's Red Squirrel Awareness week from 10th - 16th October when there will be reports from areas that still have a red squirrel population and those groups who run conservation and breeding programmes.
Below are some links to learn more about these enchanting but endangered creatures.
