Types of Squirrel

Flying Squirrels

Flying squirrels are one of the few types of mammal who have evolved to glide through the air. Unlike bats who evolved bird-like wings, these rodents have simple skin flaps between their limbs.

Black Flying Squirrel

Groove-Toothed Flying Squirrel

Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel

Northern Flying Squirrel

Siberian Flying Squirrel

Southern Flying Squirrel

This species lives in North America, from southeastern California to Florida. 

Thomas's Flying Squirrel

Ground Squirrels

Ground squirrels burrow in grasslands, and stand on their hind legs to communicate, much like meercats.

European Souslik

Ground squirrels range from Europe to Asia

Marmots

Prairie Dogs

Tamias

Chipmunks

Grey Squirrels

Grey squirrels were imported to the UK from North America, and have pushed the native red squirrels towards extinction. 

UK

If you live in the UK, then please scroll down to the Organizations section below to find out how you can help study or even catch grey squirrels in the race to help win back the UK from these invasives. So far efforts have been successful, and red squirrels are regaining their lost territory, but they still need all the help they can get!

Red Squirrels

Both America and Europe have red squirrels.

• NatureScot: Red squirrel "Britain has just 160,000 or so native red squirrels. About 75% of them live in Scotland’s woodlands, parks and gardens."

Solutions

Reforestation & Forest Protections

Reintroduction

Resources & Guides

Europe

UK

Scotland

• Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels: Community Hub

• Scotland’s Red Squirrels: Frequently Asked Questions "Red squirrels are one of Scotland’s most loved animals, and they are our only native squirrel species."

• Red Squirrels: Activities for Children

• Red Squirrels and Licensing "Licences for various activities affecting red squirrels are available, from surveys and research to social, economic or environmental purposes." These may be important for scientific projects.

North America

• Lichen Use By Wildlife In North America This lists species of squirrel (including flying squirrels) and the lichens they rely on as food and nesting material.

Tools & Apps

Europe

UK

Northern Ireland

• CEDaR (Center for Environmental Data and Recording) Online Recording Click the link to see what projects are available. They have specific links for Owls, Butterflies, Marine, Invasive Species, Lady Birds and more! Some of the links will take you to projects for specific regions including the Ring of Gullion and Belfast Hills.

Organizations

Europe

Slovakia

• Mossy Earth

Northern Ireland

• Ulster Wildlife: Red Squirrel Groups "Want to give red squirrels a helping hand in your area? Get involved with your local Red Squirrel Group. There are 14 groups in Northern Ireland who are working to protect reds through supplementary feeding, raising awareness of their plight, and removing invasive non-native grey squirrels." Includes map with directory.

Scotland

• Local Network and Volunteer Group Directory "Landscape-scale community action is the key to the long-term survival of Scotland’s red squirrels."

• Trees for Life  "Rewilding the Scottish Highlands. / Ath-fhiadhachadh na Gàidhealtachd."
  
  "Our vision is of a revitalised wild forest in the Highlands of Scotland, providing space for wildlife to flourish and communities to thrive."

• Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels "is working with local communities to ensure red squirrels will always be a part of Scotland’s special native wildlife. Together with partners, landowners and a network of local groups and volunteers, we are focused on the areas where red squirrels are most under threat from the spread of the invasive grey squirrel.
  
  Our efforts are making a difference — in many places, red squirrels are already making a comeback. However, there is still a lot of work to do. With your help, we can continue to protect them."

• Scottish Wildlife Trust

North America

Canada

USA

Alaska

• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) "Most of the animals that have come to AWCC have either been orphaned or injured. With consent from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, animals taken in by AWCC are cared for by our animal care staff and are given a permanent home at AWCC."

North America

USA

Texas

• Nongame Grants and Research (applies to flying squirrels and ground squirrels)"Funds to conduct research or conservation activities on federal/state listed species or Species of Greatest Conservation Need are available periodically through Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's Wildlife Division. External researchers can apply for funds through the Conservation License Plate Grant Program, State Wildlife Grants, and/or Traditional Section 6 Grants. Projects funded through these programs assist in the conservation and recovery of listed species and inform evaluations of the status of Species of Greatest Conservation Need."