A hit squad of nutjob grey squirrels are sneaking over to an island famed for its red squirrels on trains, in cars and even by swimming.
Expert Dr Craig Shuttleworth believes smaller, native reds are at risk due to invasive greys travelling to Anglesey in death-defying ways. He believes the macho rodents have hopped onto trains or passing cars – as well as swimming the perilous Menai Strait to get from mainland Wales to the island.
Around 1,000 red squirrels live on Anglesey but Dr Shuttleworth fears the population will be decimated if an outbreak of squirrelpox – carried by non-native greys – takes hold. It would ruin 25 years of conservation work after the island was previously declared free from greys. Now there are now “at least 10” roaming free.
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Breeding takes place in spring and summer and females produce two litters of four young per year – so the population could rocket rapidly.
(Image: Getty Images)
The boffin warned: “With a sizeable number of greys in the same area, this would result in rapid transmission and a lot of pox virus being shed, acting as an accelerant.
“It’s then likely the virus will quickly jump to reds.
“The situation is like a tinderbox that could cause a massive outbreak on the island.”
Volunteers have been trying to trap the wiley grey squirrels but the ninja-like animals have outsmarted them.
(Image: Getty Images)
Dr Shuttleworth added: “Trying to find them all is like looking for a needle in a sea of needles.
“Even if we manage to find them all, it will only put us back to square one.
“It’s an absolute nightmare.
“It’s why a pox vaccine is desperately needed.”
The animal expert is demanding a squirrelpox vaccine and a petition supporting it gathered more than 11,300 signatures.
A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are looking at a combination of measures to protect red squirrels from Squirrelpox.
“This includes the feasibility of a vaccine for red squirrels, reintroduction and habitat management and reducing grey squirrel population using a range of control measures.”
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