Red Squirrel Awareness Week highlights squirrelpox threat

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 06:43 · Archive

Red Squirrel Awareness Week has highlighted squirrelpox as a major threat to the UK's endangered red squirrels.

Red Squirrel Awareness Week has shone a spotlight on one of the UK's most endangered and beloved native mammals. The annual campaign aimed to educate the public about the threats facing red squirrels and encourage action to support their survival. The Grasmere Red Squirrel Group, a conservation charity based in the Lake District, participated by sharing updates on the challenges red squirrels face and practical steps people can take to help protect them.

One of the main threats to red squirrels is the squirrelpox virus, a disease carried by grey squirrels that is almost always fatal to reds whilst usually being asymptomatic in greys. Residents are encouraged to monitor garden feeders for signs of illness, such as sores or swelling around the face, and to keep feeders clean and disinfected. Grey squirrels should be reported to rangers, who are equipped to take appropriate action.

In Grasmere, a population of around 50 to 60 red squirrels is currently thriving. October is a busy month for the squirrels as they collect and store food for winter. Volunteers will be collecting data throughout the month to track the health and distribution of the local population. Residents and visitors are encouraged to report sightings, including the number of individuals seen and their location. The Lake District remains one of the UK's key strongholds for red squirrels, which have disappeared from many parts of the country due to habitat loss, disease, and competition from grey squirrels.

How it is being reported

• Red Squirrel Awareness Week highlights squirrelpox threatRed Squirrel Awareness Week highlights threats facing Grasmere’s red squirrels, including squirrelpox, and urges Lake District residents to report sightings.NW Evening Mail · 11 Oct, 06:00
• Red Squirrel Awareness Week highlights squirrelpox threatRed Squirrel Awareness Week highlights threats facing Grasmere’s red squirrels, including squirrelpox, and urges Lake District residents to report sightings.Westmorland Gazette · 11 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Grasmere Red Squirrel Group · Lake District · Grasmere

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