SNOW DAY!

…fox, field vole trails, pheasants, and a variety of crows. I was fortunate enough to even find the trail of an otter, bounding through the snow, in and out of the Endrick! Unfortunately, I didn’t find any squirrel trails or sign in the nearby woods. King of all he surveys! Image: Paul McDonald.   Without any squirrel sign, I decided… […]

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Cycling for Squirrels

…motivating to have a purpose to the hard work and sore legs (Peat Inn is 200 metres above sea level – ooyah!) and if any SSRS supporters would like to push me on I have started a Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/Kensredsquirrelcycle where you can donate. If you do, I’ll dedicate a mile to you on my way to Edinburgh…. […]

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Coronavirus update for SSRS volunteers

…prevention of squirrelpox spread, usually in tablet form. It is not suitable for use indoors, and is not safe for humans. It is classified as an irritant and should always be handled following the correct safety precautions, and only used for its intended purpose. Please familiarise yourself with the Virkon-S health and safety guidelines and risk assessment (provided in your… […]

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Spotting squirrelpox: new sightings across Dumfries and Galloway

…between Palnackie and Carsethorn back in May. Squirrelpox is a fatal disease which red squirrels have no immunity against. The symptoms are very distinctive, with lesions and sores forming around the squirrel’s face preventing them from being able to eat and drink as well as limiting their mobility. Although squirrelpox is commonly spread by grey squirrels that carry the disease… […]

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Suspected squirrelpox cases on the Solway Coast

…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…. […]

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Beechmast and acorns everywhere

…summer in Scotland has elapsed, we have well and truly landed into a decidedly mixed autumn, which is looking likely to be replaced by another mild winter. This is certainly positive news, in the short term at least, for our squirrel populations, especially when coupled with an exceptional mast year. A mast year is when, for reasons still not fully… […]

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Suspected Squirrelpox outbreak near Dumfries threatens local red squirrel population

…or moving. As a result, it is usually fatal within two weeks and an outbreak can cause local numbers to crash. Wildlife feeder boxes and garden bird tables are a common cause of Squirrelpox outbreaks, as they bring squirrels of both species into closer contact with one another. A Heathhall red squirrel, photographed by Lisa Fuller Dr Stephanie Johnstone, Conservation… […]

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This Year's Sightings