Squirrels are widely present across Germany, a familiar sight in both natural and urban landscapes. The country maintains a healthy and widespread population of its native tree squirrel species. Their adaptability allows them to thrive alongside human settlements, making them one of the most frequently encountered wild mammals.
Germany’s Primary Squirrel: The Eurasian Red
The native squirrel species in Germany is the Eurasian Red Squirrel, scientifically known as Sciurus vulgaris. This species is easily recognized by its slender body, long, bushy tail, and remarkable agility. A defining characteristic is the presence of prominent ear tufts, which become noticeably longer and bushier during the winter months.
The coat color of the Eurasian Red Squirrel exhibits wide variation, which often surprises observers who expect only a bright red shade. While many individuals in Central Europe display the classic reddish-brown fur, others can range from brick-red to dark brown or even black. The darker color morphs are more commonly observed in higher or northern regions and are a natural variation of the native species. Regardless of the back and head color, the underside of all Eurasian Red Squirrels is consistently a light, often creamy white, which can help in identification.
These squirrels typically have a body length between 20 and 25 centimeters, with their tail adding nearly the same length again. In the wild, their lifespan ranges from three to six years. The species is active during the day and is classified as specially protected within Germany.
Habitat and Common Sightings
The Eurasian Red Squirrel thrives in both dense natural areas and highly developed urban environments. Their natural preference is for wooded areas, including coniferous and deciduous forests, where mature trees provide food and nesting locations. They are commonly observed in parklands, suburban gardens, and even cemeteries, successfully integrating into city life.
These squirrels do not truly hibernate, instead entering a phase of reduced activity and relying on food caches buried in the autumn. Their daily activity peaks are usually observed in the morning and late afternoon. For shelter and raising their young, they construct spherical nests called dreys, typically built high in the canopy in the forks of branches, offering protection from predators.
Non-Native Squirrels and Established Populations
Unlike in the United Kingdom and parts of Italy, the Eastern Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is not established in Germany. This non-native species from North America poses a significant threat to the native Eurasian Red Squirrel population through resource competition and disease transmission in other European countries. The geographic barrier of the Alps and prompt control of accidental releases have helped prevent the establishment of this invasive species.
While the grey squirrel is absent, other non-native species are occasionally sighted, such as the Siberian Chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus), which are often escaped pets. These populations are generally localized and do not pose a widespread ecological threat to the native squirrel population. Germany maintains a proactive stance against the grey squirrel, recognizing the potential for devastating impact on native wildlife and commercial forestry.
The risk of invasive species spreading from neighboring countries remains a concern, particularly from established populations in northern Italy. The grey squirrel population in the Ticino Valley could potentially expand into Switzerland and subsequently into Germany. Therefore, strict protective measures and monitoring are maintained to prevent the grey squirrel from establishing a foothold, which would displace the native red squirrel.