Squirrels are probably the unique rodents you would see in the wild. They have characteristic traits like sharp vision and swift mini feet. Have you ever seen a squirrel running in zig-zag patterns? It runs so to confuse the predator.
You may think of them as adorable species, but let me tell you that they are also very clever. For instance, they would fool their thief by pretending to bury their food. The thief when later checks for food, but there’s nothing! That’s how sharp their minds work! Their intelligence and activeness give them an advantage over other species in the wild.
While you may be wondering if squirrels are there in France or not, you need to give yourself a break since this article here is going to blow your mind with tons of information. So, keep reading!
Are there squirrels in France?
Squirrels are probably everywhere in the world. One thing essential for their survival is the woods. It is their habitat that they cannot live without. Hence, anywhere you see the trees, you know you may see a squirrel there. Ever sat at a park in the woods, look on your left, and you would see a squirrel, look on your right, and see a squirrel again! But every squirrel differs with the area it is found in. Yes, France has squirrels too.
Following are the types of squirrels you will see in France:
- Red squirrels
- Gray squirrels
- Pallas Squirrels
- Marmot squirrels
- Alpine marmot squirrels
- Brazilian squirrels
Where to find red squirrels in France?
Though France tends to have most of these squirrels, the one found in abundance is the ‘Red squirrel’. France is known to have red squirrels in its areas. You can find them throughout the country in woods, parks, gardens and near coniferous trees. Anywhere with loads of greenery and trees, look around, and you shall see a red squirrel munching on food! You can find their nests made of leaves or branches on top of the trees or even on your roofs.
What do the red squirrels look like?
Every specie of squirrel looks different from the other. All the species have distinctive traits. Red squirrels, as the name indicates, are red. Though I would say, they are not very red, but somewhat of dark brownish mahogany colour. They have a mixture of black, brown, red and grey colours. So it would be misleading to say that these are just red.
In summers, they shed their coat, so they look dark in colour, while in winters, their coat becomes double, and they look grey. Their eyes are dark and enormous, making them have a better vision of the wild. However, they can’t see colours but still have a sharp sight to fight for themselves in the wild. The cutest thing about them is their tail which is as long as their body! And as furry as a mat!
Nutrition patterns of red squirrels:
Squirrels are known to eat a variety of things. One may always think of them munching on peanuts, but their diet is much more than just peanuts! Following are the foods eaten by the red squirrels:
- Fruits
- Berries
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Plants and leaves
Acorn is the only thing they don’t like munching on like other squirrels. The red squirrels are practically food hoarders. They utilize around twenty per cent of their food and hide the rest eighty per cent for winters. They have an excellent spatial memory which helps them retrieve hidden foods. Their unique whiskers, hair beneath the feet and busy tail also help them mark the area where they have kept the food. But sadly, most of their food is eaten by other animals in the wild.
Breeding:
The red squirrels usually breed in May/June and February/March when moderate temperatures. The female here is solely responsible for her children. The gestation period is around 38 days, and the little babies are born.
Firstly, these babies are hairless for some time and can’t see or hear. Later after around three months, their coat appears, and they become independent in the environment. For the first four months, they either take their mother’s feed or eat the foods their mother gives them to eat.
Lifespan:
Most red squirrels live around 10 years in total only if they are safe enough to survive in the wild. Most red squirrels in France die for multiple reasons like deforestation, predator attacks, diseases or road killing.
Over the period, the population of squirrels in France has fallen to alarming levels. Wildlife authorities have taken notice of all the reasons causing their population downfall, and a strict check is kept.
Locals and authorities attempt to cut trees due to which squirrels find nowhere else to go and become prey for attacking predators like pine martens and goshawks.
Frequently asked questions
Why has the red squirrel population dropped in France?
The red squirrel population in France has dropped due to multiple factors like road accidents, excessive deforestation, diseases and predator attacks. This has led to an alarming situation in France since red squirrels are native animals.
Are red squirrels red?
The red squirrels aren’t red but a blend of many colours like brown, black, grey and red. During summers, when they shed their coat, they look red, but in winters, they look more grey than red. Since red is a prominent colour, these species look redder than any other colour.
What do the baby squirrels look like when they are born?
The baby squirrels are a sight worth watching. When born, their skins are naked with no hair. They are blind and deaf and ultimately depend on their mothers for shelter and food. It is quite captivating to see how they cling to their mother.
Are red squirrels protected in France?
Yes, red squirrels and their babies are protected in France. Locals and authorities take specific measures to take care of these squishy animals so that their population, which has been declining, may stop falling over time now.
