Lots of people know about grey squirrels but not so much red squirrels so here are the facts.
History: One hundred years ago several million red squirrels lived in the UK and Ireland. In the 19th century grey squirrels were introduced to UK and to Ireland in the 20th. Sadly our red squirrels were over powered by the greys and numbers dropped to 160,000. As well as competing for food the reds had to fight against a disease the grey squirrels carry called squirrel pox which is fatal to reds.
Protecting our reds: Thankfully,the reds are doing well in Scotland and wildlife experts are trying to protect them in England,Ireland and Wales. Conservation progammes are trying to stop the spread of squirrel pox. Hopefully one day the reds will be back to their old numbers and seeing a red squirrel won't as rare as it is now.
Red squirrel facts:
Red squirrels have four fingers on their front paws and five on their back paws.
Red squirrels communicate with their tails.
Unlike grey squirrels red squirrels don't hibernate.
