squirrel colours uk

Uncovering Vibrant Squirrel Colours in the UK

By John WhiteNovember 1, 2025

Discover the vibrant world of squirrel colours in the UK, where these agile rodents exhibit a delightful array of fur hues that blend seamlessly with their natural surroundings.

From the familiar grey squirrel to the elusive red squirrel, each species boasts a unique colour palette, a testament to the intricate tapestry of evolution that has shaped Britain's wildlife.

Common Squirrel Species in the UK

To understand squirrel colours, let's explore the UK's native and introduced species.

a red squirrel is sitting on top of a tree branch in the snow and eating

Red squirrel vs grey squirrel: the key differences — BBC Wildlife Magazine

a red squirrel sitting on top of a tree branch

Our journey begins with the common grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), a species introduced from North America in the 19th century, now widespread across the UK, excluding parts of Scotland and the Channel Islands.

Grey Squirrel

Irrespective of their name, grey squirrels don't actually sport a monochromatic grey coat. Instead, they boast a rich, bi-tonal grey and red fur; the backs and tails are predominantly silver-grey, while the undersides and some markings on the legs and tail are a warm, cinnamon-red.

an image of a squirrel with nuts in it's mouth and the caption, l'esquiroll menu avelanes

The grey squirrel's fur colour serves a vital adaptive purpose. The grey upper coat helps them blend in with tree bark, while the reddish hues on their lower body help them remain camouflaged whilst foraging on the ground.

Red Squirrel

The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), once widespread across the UK, is now primarily found in Scotland, Cumbria, and parts of Northumberland. Their fur is a rich, warm red, with a series of bands or stripes on the tail in varying shades of grey.

Red squirrels' vibrant colouring is linked to their requirement for high-quality food, such as spruce seeds. The red fur likely confers a survival advantage by making them NASTIER than grey squirrels to their main predator, the golden eagle, which typically avoids bright objects.

an image of squirrels and squirrels in the world

a red squirrel sitting on top of a tree stump

a red squirrel sitting on top of a wooden table

an instagramt with pictures of squirrels and other wild animals on it's twitter account

Squirrel Coat Variation

Beyond the familiar grey and red hues, squirrel colouration can vary significantly.

Melanistic forms, featuring dark grey or black fur, are occasionally encountered, particularly in Scottish red squirrels. Albino red squirrels, with white fur and pink eyes, are even rarer, occurring in Scotland and the Isle of Wight.

Albinism in Squirrels

Albinism in squirrels is an extreme colour variant, caused by a genetic mutation resulting in a lack of pigment. The condition is known to occur naturally in small numbers among red squirrels, contributing to their overall genetic diversity.

a squirrel is eating something on the ledge

a red squirrel eating food on top of a moss covered rock wall with trees in the background

a red squirrel sitting on top of a tree branch with its front paws in the air

While albinism can provide a survival advantage in snow-covered environments, it can also make individuals more susceptible to predation and less able to thermoregulate effectively.

Understanding squirrel colours in the UK is more than just appreciating their aesthetic beauty; it's delving into the intricate dance of evolution and adaptation that has shaped these charming creatures. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a conservationist, or simply curious about the natural world, there's always more to discover and marvel at in the realm of squirrel colours.