Wildlife Welfare

Wild Red Squirrel Conservation Welfare

Red squirrels face ongoing threats from grey squirrel competition and disease. Conservation management including supplementary feeding and grey squirrel control improves welfare and population prospects.

Key Facts

Red squirrel populations are restricted to northern England, Scotland, Wales, and islands
Grey squirrel competition for food and squirrelpox virus transmission drive red squirrel decline
Supplementary feeding stations support red squirrel survival in marginal habitats
Grey squirrel control in red squirrel refugia reduces competition and disease transmission
Island populations and mainland refugia support most viable red squirrel communities

Welfare Considerations

Red squirrel welfare is threatened by displacement, food competition, and fatal squirrelpox. Conservation management including feeding and grey squirrel control protects both individual animals and population viability.

What You Can Do

Support red squirrel conservation organisations in northern England and Scotland
Avoid releasing grey squirrels near red squirrel habitat
Volunteer for red squirrel monitoring and supplementary feeding programmes
Learn about red squirrel conservation and the role of refugia management