Greys invade red squirrel strongholds

THE last red squirrel strongholds in England are under siege from larger greys who carry the deadly pox that kill our native species, a study reveals.

- Chris Riches

Volunteers for the conservation organisation Red Squirrels Northern England visited 246 sites for its annual check. But they were alarmed to find while numbers were holding up, greys now outnumbered them in both Cumbria and Northumberland.

Virus

Project officer Abbie McQueen called the substantial increase of greys "concerning", but added: "We hope it can help build a case for further funding in areas that need it."