A fatal outbreak of squirrel pox has been confirmed in Formby, threatening one of England’s last red squirrel strongholds, and Lancashire Wildlife Trust is urging locals to remove garden feeders immediately to stop the deadly virus spreading at feeding sites.
The Trust is asking people to report sightings of healthy, sick or deceased red squirrels, as well as grey squirrels. Every report helps them track the outbreak, identify areas of concern, and respond quickly.
Molly Frost, Red Squirrel Project Officer at Lancashire Wildlife Trust, said: “Squirrel pox outbreaks are a serious threat to our already vulnerable red squirrel population. Using feeders may seem like a kind way to support nature, but they are dangerous when a virus is present.
“We want red squirrels to be around for generations to come, and our staff and volunteers are doing all we can to protect them from local extinction. We need the support of our community to help us.”
If you see a sick red squirrel, contact the Red Squirrel Team on 07590 745 862 and leave a voicemail if necessary.
Heather Harris, from the Red Squirrel Recovery Network, is hopeful about upcoming interventions but says they need our help now:
“Grey squirrel fertility control could reduce the risk of disease transmission by reducing grey squirrel numbers and their movement into red squirrel areas. The Red Squirrel Recovery Network is supporting its development by the Animal and Plant Health Agency, funded by the UK Squirrel Accord and supporters, and supported by Defra.
“The future is promising, but Formby’s red squirrels need our help today. Without continued conservation action, populations like Formby’s could be lost before this vital new tool is ready.”
To help further, consider volunteering for the Trap Loan Scheme, particularly in the Formby area, and if you currently have a trap but haven’t seen a grey squirrel in the past month, please contact 07590 745 862 so it can be reallocated where it is needed most.