Native to Ireland's woodlands, the red squirrel can be found in scattered populations across the country. It is an arboreal species, spending most of its life in trees.

The red squirrel is highly agile, able to leap between trees and move quickly along branches. Like other rodents, it has ever-growing incisors that it uses to open pinecones and access seeds. Its eyes are positioned high on its head to help detect aerial predators, giving it a wide field of vision.
Red squirrels build nests, called dreys, using twigs, bark, and leaves. These rounded nests are often placed in the branches of trees. Females typically give birth to three to six young per year, usually in the summer. The young are weaned by about nine weeks old and remain with the mother until she has another litter. The typical lifespan of a red squirrel is between three and six years.

While the red squirrel is classified as Least Concern globally, it faces declining populations in Ireland and Great Britain due to competition with the invasive grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Introduced to the UK in 1911, the grey squirrel is larger and more adaptable, and it can consume unripe acorns that the red squirrel cannot. As a result, the red squirrel is considered Near Threatened in Ireland.

Contrary to popular belief, red squirrels do not hibernate during the winter months. Instead, they gather and store food during the autumn to survive the colder season. Although typically solitary, red squirrels may share their nest, or drey, with others for warmth during the winter.

Grey squirrels are not present on Fota Island, though they have been observed in nearby areas such as Mitchelstown. Consequently, Fota Wildlife Park works to maintain a safe environment for the red squirrel. The species is frequently spotted in and around the park's car park and woodland areas, where it thrives without competition from the invasive grey squirrel.