Wildlife Welfare

Wild Red Squirrel Conservation and Welfare

Red squirrels are endangered in England and Wales, with welfare implications for the remaining population and ongoing management interventions.

Key Facts

Red squirrels survive in Scotland, Northumberland and a few other refugia in England
Grey squirrels introduced from North America outcompete reds and carry squirrelpox virus
Squirrelpox virus causes fatal disease in red squirrels within weeks of infection
Oral vaccination trials for squirrelpox are being developed to protect red populations
Grey squirrel control is legally undertaken to protect red squirrel populations

Welfare Considerations

Red squirrel welfare is affected by disease, competition and ongoing management of grey squirrels. Conservation management involves difficult decisions balancing red squirrel population welfare against individual grey squirrel welfare. Vaccination approaches may reduce the need for lethal management.

What You Can Do

Support red squirrel conservation charities including Red Squirrels Northern England
Report red squirrel sightings to help track population distribution
Avoid releasing grey squirrels and support humane urban management approaches