Red Squirrel population under threat as pox outbreak fears grow

The struggling red squirrel population of Southport and Formby is once again under threat.

Ecologists tasked with taking care of the rare auburn furred squirrel population, mostly found in the woodlands around Formby and Ainsdale, fear they may have found traces of the deadly squirrel pox virus after four deceased animals were discovered.

It’s understood four deead squirrels around the Victoria Road area of Formby have been found displaying symptoms of the pox, which can be fatal to their kind.

Anyone who has laid squirrel feeders in the area has been asked to remove them.

A spokesperson for the Merseyside and Lancashire Red Squirrel Project said “Unfortunately, we’ve had a number of reports of red squirrels displaying symptoms of squirrel pox in the pinewoods of National Trust Formby and in gardens on Victoria Road, Formby.

“Squirrel pox is carried by grey squirrels but they do not suffer from any symptoms. However, it is fatal to red squirrels who will develop lesions around the eyes, mouth and on the paws and will usually die within a couple of weeks.

“It only takes one grey squirrel to introduce pox into a red squirrel population, but it is then transmitted readily between red squirrels.

“4 dead reds displaying symptoms have been collected. We are awaiting tests to confirm the disease.

“If you live in the area, please remove any feeders you have out to reduce the spread of the disease.

“Please report any sightings of sick/dead red squirrels or grey squirrels to Lancashire Wildlife Trust on 07590745862 (text or call) or red.squirrel@lancswt.org.uk.

“Further information on what to do if you’ve found a sick squirrel can be found here: https://www.lancswt.org.uk/…/Merseyside%20and%20West…

Please continue to report sightings of healthy red squirrels, either by text to 07590745862 or using our online form: https://www.lancswt.org.uk/red-squirrel-sightings-form-2020