Eurasian red squirrel in Northumberland, England

Eurasian red squirrel

Who could resist that squishy face? A Eurasian red squirrel perches on a snowy pine branch, paws clutching a pine cone like it's the last snack on Earth. These little acrobats stay busy collecting nuts, seeds and fungi—feasting on fresh finds in summer and on stored cones through winter.

Once common across Britain, their numbers have fallen sharply due to competition from grey squirrels and the spread of the squirrelpox virus. Today, these red squirrels are mostly found in northern England and Scotland, with refuges like Kielder and Harwood Forests in Northumberland helping sustain their populations.

Their bright fur and quick movements have made them favourites in art and children's tales—most famously in Beatrix Potter's 'The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.' Spotting a red squirrel in the wild feels like seeing a classic winter illustration come to life—tiny paws, a twitching nose and a tail that seems to have a mind of its own. So the next time you see one, remember that protecting small creatures helps keep the stories they inspire alive.