Red Squirrel road kill

The UK’s native red squirrels are increasingly under threat from disease and the spread of grey squirrels introduced from North America in the 19th century, but Arran is one of 19 strongholds for the species in Scotland where there are no grey squirrels.

In 2013 a team of vets and scientists from the University of Edinburgh’s Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies trapped and examined 21 red squirrels on Arran, as well as looking at the remains of 16 killed on the roads. They found no sign of squirrelpox, a virus often carried by grey squirrels which is usually fatal to the red species. This research is ongoing.

At this time of year, squirrel pups are starting to leave the drey and have little road sense, so we are asking all drivers to be aware of the delicate state of the red squirrel population on Arran.

The Rangers at Brodick Country Park are continuing to collect statistics about the locations of red squirrel road kill. If you see one please contact them on 302462 and tell them where and when you saw it. The Rangers are also still collecting red squirrel road-kill for research so, only if it is safe to do so, collect the corpse put it in a plastic bag label it with the location and date and drop it in to the Rangers’ Centre.