Everyone loves a red squirrel, but to most the grey is a baddie who drove out the reds. But, as the author explains, things were not that simple: the numbers of reds declined drastically in Britain between 1900 and 1925, which was well before grey squirrels became established. In fact, contrary to conventional wisdom, if greys and reds inhabit the same wood, they will evenshare the same dreys.Includes:Evolution; Some members of the squirrel clan; Squirrels in Britain; The squirrel's body; From the inside; How long do squirrels live...and what kills them?; Squirrel parasites; Where do squirrels live?; Home sweet home; Building a nest; How manynests?; Nest sharing; The more adventurous home-builder; Mating; Raising a family; Caring for orphaned baby squirrels; Looking after sick and injured squirrels; Squirrel chow; How do squirrels find their food?; The bits they leave; Why do squirrels strip bark?; Squirrels in the garden; How to attract squirrels to your garden; Feeding squirrels; The three-dimensional world of squirrels; Gadding about; Squirrel social life; Do reds and greys mix?; Squirrel talk; How many squirrels are there?;
Handling squirrels; Methods of marking squirrels; Red squirrel conservation; Re-introductions; Squirrels as pests; Ways of killing squirrels; Squirrel tales; Squirrel studies; Squirrels and the law; Further information; Useful addresses.

Illustrated by: Guy Troughton