Eurasian red squirrel

A flash of red in the winter white. Squirrel Appreciation Day

Today's image shows a Eurasian red squirrel perched in the snow, displaying the winter fur and tufted ears that make this species so striking. Native to forests across Europe and parts of Asia, red squirrels rely on seeds, nuts and fungi, stashing food in scattered caches and building nests high in hollow trees to survive the colder months.

Squirrel Appreciation Day, observed on 21 January, began in 2001 when wildlife rehabilitator Christy Hargrove encouraged people to show more kindness toward these quick, bright-eyed foragers. Despite their reputation as garden raiders or urban 'nuisances,' squirrels play essential roles in local ecosystems. Their tendency to bury food and forget some of it helps forests regenerate, especially in areas where conifer seeds spread through these accidental plantings.

In the United Kingdom, conservation groups use the day to spotlight red squirrel protection and responsible wildlife watching. Translation: admire from a distance, don't overfeed and let them mind their own monkey business.