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
Technorati Tags: squirrel, grey squirrel, red squirrel, virus, squirrelpox
Founder-editor of The Green Ogre, Beej began this blog as a solo writing project in 2006. A communications professional, he has worked as a corporate storyteller, journalist, travel writer, cartoonist and photo-blogger. He is an active birder and citizen science enthusiast.
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Good boy, Guru! Took any fotus? Guess not. You didn’t think they’d be in this kind of trouble, I’m sure.
Btw – how does the beeru taste?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/highlands_and_islands/7654407.stm
Time to get some Red Squirrel Beer then! I was lucky enough to spot a few of them around.