It’s thirsty work being a squirrel!
THIS enterprising red squirrel was spotted clambering up to a public tap to quench its thirst.
The clever rodent even managed to turn the tap before helping himself to a welcome few drops of water.
Wildlife photographer Julian Rad captured the cheeky creature taking the drink in a park in Vienna.
The 26-year-old explained: “Near my home there is a public park with a wooded area where many of the red squirrels live.
“At the edge of the forest there is a water faucet which is used by the gardeners to water the flowers.
“Every now and then a squirrel appears to take a drink from it. But in the summer, when the temperatures rise, the squirrels often gather around the water faucet to satisfy their thirst.”
The beloved red squirrel is native to Britain.
But its future has become increasingly uncertain since the introduction and expansion of the American grey squirrel across the mainland.
There are now estimated to be only 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain, compared to more than 2.5 million greys.
The Forestry Commission is working with various organisations in projects across the country to develop a long-term conservation strategy that deters greys and encourages the red variety.