Red squirrel in the Dolomites

The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is one of the most common animals in the forests of the Dolomites. Agile, fast and curious, it is a small rodent perfectly adapted to life in the trees.

It is widespread across much of Europe and in Italy it is mainly found in alpine and Apennine regions, where it thrives in conifer forests and mixed woodlands.

Unlike many more elusive animals, the red squirrel is relatively easy to spot, especially in the early hours of the day. It is not uncommon to see it jumping between branches or running quickly along tree trunks, always ready to disappear at the slightest sign of danger.

While walking in the forests around Cortina d’Ampezzo, in areas such as Fanes or Cinque Torri, there is a good chance of encountering one, especially in quiet areas rich in spruce and larch trees.

The squirrel is one of the most common inhabitants of the Dolomite forests, but it is certainly not the only one: other animals such as red deer and roe deer also live here, often moving along the edges between forest and open areas.

Where the red squirrel lives in the Dolomites

In the Dolomites, the red squirrel mainly inhabits conifer forests between 800 and 2,000 metres in altitude. It prefers environments rich in spruce, larch and Swiss pine, where it finds plenty of food and shelter.

It is a highly adaptable species and can also live in mixed forests and at the edges of inhabited areas, as long as there are enough trees for movement and feeding.

The red squirrel spends most of its life in the trees, moving with great agility thanks to its strong limbs and long tail, which it uses for balance while jumping.

Although quite common, it is not always easy to spot: often its presence is only revealed by the sound of branches or by the pine cones it has gnawed and dropped to the ground.

Description

The red squirrel is a small rodent measuring about 20–25 cm in length, with a bushy tail almost as long as its body.

Its coat colour ranges from bright red to dark brown, depending on the season and geographical area. In winter, the fur becomes thicker and darker, while in summer it tends to be lighter.

One of its most distinctive features is the tufts of hair on its ears, which are especially visible during the winter months.

The long, bushy tail is not only used for balance but also as protection against the cold: the squirrel wraps it around its body like a blanket when resting.

Behaviour

The red squirrel is a diurnal and very active animal, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Its diet mainly consists of seeds, pine cones, hazelnuts, fungi and buds. In autumn it stores food by burying it in the ground or hiding it among tree roots, a strategy essential for surviving the winter.

It is generally solitary and territorial, although it may tolerate the presence of other individuals in areas particularly rich in food.

It builds its nest, known as a drey, among tree branches using leaves, moss and small twigs. These nests are well insulated and provide protection from cold and predators.

In addition to its rapid movements and arboreal lifestyle, the red squirrel also uses small vocal calls to communicate, especially in situations of alarm.

Red squirrel calls

The red squirrel is not a particularly noisy animal, but it can produce a series of high-pitched calls, especially in alarm situations or when interacting with other individuals.

These sounds, often short and repeated, can be heard in quiet forests, although they are easily overlooked compared to bird songs.

Recording of red squirrel calls (Sciurus vulgaris) – author: Simon Elliott – source: Xeno-canto

Signs of the red squirrel’s presence

Even when the animal itself is not visible, the presence of the red squirrel in the forests of the Dolomites can often be recognised through some very characteristic signs.

The most obvious is the pine cones it has gnawed, which are often found on the ground at the base of trees. The squirrel opens them with great skill to reach the seeds, leaving a clean central core and evenly stripped scales.

Protected species

The red squirrel is still widespread and is not currently considered at risk in the Dolomites. However, in some parts of Europe it is threatened by competition with the grey squirrel, a species introduced from North America.

The conservation of natural forests and the protection of woodland habitats are essential to ensure the long-term survival of this species.

Can a red squirrel attack humans?

The red squirrel is a shy animal and does not pose any danger to humans. In natural conditions, it will always try to flee when it notices people.

However, in heavily frequented areas or parks where it is fed, it may become more confident and approach in search of food. In such cases, it is best to avoid feeding it, so as not to alter its natural behaviour.

Interesting facts

• The squirrel’s tail is essential for maintaining balance while jumping.
• It can leap several metres from one tree to another.
• It does not always remember where it hides its food, which helps spread plants throughout the forest.
• The ear tufts are more visible in winter.
• In Cortina d’Ampezzo, the word “squirrel” also refers to something entirely different: the Squirrels of Cortina, the historic group of local climbers who played an important role in the history of Dolomite mountaineering.

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Scientific classification of the golden eagle

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