Factfile
- Red squirrels are now an endangered species but at one time they could be found all over the UK
- The non-native grey squirrel was first introduced to England from America in the late 1870s
- The grey squirrel is the primary cause of decline of the red squirrel
- Over 60% of grey squirrels in England and Wales are estimated to carry the squirrel pox virus
- It is estimated that without action red squirrels will become extinct in England within a decade
- Squirrel pox virus was first recorded in Cumbria in Spring 1998
- Grey squirrels are more opportunistic feeders and will strip an area of natural foods before red squirrels have a chance to eat
- Grey squirrels eat seven times more than red squirrels
