Numbers of the Red Squirrel, once Britain’s pride, started to dwindle when its more aggressive cousin, the American Grey Squirrel, was introduced in the country. With protection, the Red Squirrel clawed back. But recently, the squirrels have gone missing and scientists fear that a virus – squirrelpox – has wiped the animals out. What is even more alarming is that with winter approaching, many more squirrels may not make it. Ironically, grey squirrels carry the virus but are not affected by it.

The Guardian has more

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