Tail Talk

Just about the most important signal post for a red squirrel is its tail. When subdued or snoozing its huge bushy tail is usually held over its back and head, umbrella style.

As it moves it is either held out behind the animal or used as a rudder when jumping onto walls or tree stumps.

Tail swishing - as sweeping side to side movement - generally means the squirrel is not quite sure of the situation.

Tail flagging or flicking can mean a number of things: if it feels disturbed it will flick its tail up and down. Tail flagging can be a sort of greeting or warning to other squirrels.