Sweden
Squirrels
Ever since moving to Sweden, my wife and I have been actively looking for red squirrels. While their population in the UK is limited to a few small areas, they're everywhere in Sweden. So much so that we found reliable squirrel encounters around the city. Parks, natural reserves and even small local woods. All of them are easily accessible by foot or public transport. This did not happen right away, however. I had seen squirrels whilst on forest walks but they were properly wild. Not at all interested in humans and disappearing at the first sign of sound or sight. It wasn't until walking on one of the main city parks, after taking a new path that we came across some friendly specimens. Once my eyes were open to spot the signs, it was relatively easy to find them in more and more places.
These are only some of the most memorable characters that we have found. To the inexperienced eye, all squirrels look alike, but they became a familiar face (easily identifiable) after you spend some time with them. Different colouration, patterns, skull shapes and most important of all, different personalities.
▼ Jen ▼
Inspiration: The IT Crowd
First Seen: 26th December 2021
Last Seen: Mid June 2023
There are so many things I could say about Jen. After exploring a new path and having no plan to even find any squirrel, we suddenly spotted one from afar, running around in a dark hidden enclosure. So we went straight to it. The squirrel in case was Jen. She, against all odds, approached us and climbed us all the way to our hands, very obviously looking for food, but to us, this was an undoubted act of love. We bonded instantly. Jen's rounded body, disarming trust and adorable behaviour was a constant in our lives for around two glorious years. During the time we got to share with her, she would always act the same way. We got to see her changing her beautiful coat from fiery red to slightly silver with the seasons.
Her face shape was round just like her body, giving her a clear teddy bear look. We were lucky enough to see her as a fierce mother and a brave alpha female ruling the whole area, even when at times, we could be surrounded by more than 10 squirrels, she was very much in charge. She will go from a fiery territorial creature to one so gentle and trusting to us that would take food from our hands so carefully and then to climb on our hands to eat. A character so lovely and special that even after all these years, we have not been able to ever find any other squirrel like her.
▼ Willow ▼
Inspiration: Buffy
First Seen: Late 2021
Last Seen: Early 2023
We met Willow around the same time and place that we met Jen. She would not climb us, but we did manage to get her to half sit in our hand when next to a tree. Touching her nose while eating was also allowed. Willow's colours were a lovely gradient of reds and greys. Her lovely skull/face shape was round with very cute features that made her look very young, almost like a chipmunk. She could have either been one of Jen's babies from previous years, or perhaps a sister. Since we discovered them at the same time it's difficult to know, but not many others in this area has such cute, short noses.
▼ Herr Kartoffel ▼
Inspiration: He's a potato
First Seen: March 2023
Last Seen: -
This glorious creature was first seen during one of the last snowstorms at the beginning of spring. We have a strong suspicion that he might be one of Jen's babies since we saw her with him, acting kind to him which was highly unusual of Jen.
Mr. Potato wasn't always an obvious potato. But then he became one. He is the closest thing to a Disney-style animated squirrel. Precious round nose with a lighter colour to make it even more adorable. Huge eyes and tufts, a beautiful red coat in summer and almost completely grey during winter.
▼ Scarlett ▼
Inspiration: Avengers
First Seen: March 2023
Last Seen: -
We believe Scarlet is Mr. Potato's sister. They were both together at the same place the first time we met them. Exactly the same age and with Jen around. Another beautiful creature that has now become a mother for the first time this summer and with a lovely face that will melt any heart.
▼ Ginger Spice ▼
Inspiration: Spice Girls
First Seen: April 2024
This little baby squirrel has been a force of nature since we first met. Her character is full of attitude and sass. She will stomp and growl her way to you, get food and then be a lovely, magical creature until she had enough to eat and will disappear the same way she appeared. Absolutely adorable and somewhat trusting since she will come straight to you and even grab food from the hand. A lovely creature that we hope to be so lucky to see grow and keep us company for many years.
▼ Pirate ▼
Inspiration: Needs an eye patch
First Seen: April 2023
Last Seen: October 2023
Pirate's presence in our life was sadly very short but during our brief encounters, he was always trusting and lovely. He would not climb us or allow us to touch him but he will come very close to us and gladly eat his lunch around us. He sadly had a damaged eye but he was a beautiful creature with a glorious dark coat very characteristical to him. We will always miss him.
▼ Nikolaj ▼
Inspiration: ???
First Seen: June 2025
Last Seen: -
As you can see from the picture, to date this is the most bold and friendly squirrel that we have ever seen. He is the only one that will climb us on command, sit on our heads eating nuts and will even accept pets without running away.
▼ Scully ▼
Inspiration: FBI
First Seen: July 2025
Last Seen: Nov 2025
As you can see from the picture, to date this is the most bold and friendly squirrel that we have ever seen. He is the only one that will climb us on command, sit on our heads eating nuts and will even accept pets without running away.
▼ Christina ▼
Inspiration: ???
First Seen: August 2025
Last Seen: -
As you can see from the picture, to date this is the most bold and friendly squirrel that we have ever seen. He is the only one that will climb us on command, sit on our heads eating nuts and will even accept pets without running away.
