There are over 200 species of squirrel across the globe, and Scotland is home to just two of them, the Eurasian Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and the Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Grey squirrels, which are native to North America, were introduced to Britain in 1876, before which it is estimated that there were around 3.5 million native red squirrels…. […]
…any wildlife feeding stations. We also ask that people across the Solway Coast please ensure that all garden feeding stations are regularly cleaned with an anti-viral solution such as Virkon S, which is available to purchase online in tablet and powder form. If you see a sick red squirrel, either in your garden, or while outdoors exercising, please contact squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk…. […]
…In the future, we may be faced with squirrelpox in the Central Lowlands’ grey squirrel populations and it will be imperative that grey squirrel densities along the Highland Line are kept to a sufficiently low level, ensuring that there is insufficient circulating disease to be readily transmitted to neighbouring red squirrels. Where red squirrels do succumb locally to the disease,… […]
Back in September we asked the Scottish public once again to get outdoors, enjoy nature and keep an eye out for both red and grey squirrels during National Red Squirrel Week. Sightings were reported on the SSRS website and each one was individually verified. Now we are delighted to report that the results are in! 1099 people took part… […]
…wouldn’t find in the wild? Whatever the reason, it doesn’t seem to cause red squirrels any difficulties fortunately. There are other factors that cause balding in squirrels, such as parasite overload (lots of fleas or ticks), mange or allergies, but they are usually accompanied by signs of inflammation and lesions. There is also Squirrel Pox Virus, which is a serious… […]
…people of all ages to get outdoors and have some fun, but we also hope they will inspire people to take action for red squirrels. There are lots of ways to get involved with the project, from reporting a squirrel sighting to joining one of our volunteer networks.” Both red and grey squirrel sightings seen during walks can be reported… […]
