Adventurous Red Squirrels Escape Island Across Bridge

by Sara
(Bangor)

Friends of Anglesey Red Squirrels believe some of the endangered mammals may have crossed one of the two Menai Straits Bridges linking the island to the mainland.

Apparently, two red squirrels were discovered on the Faenol Estate near Bangor and at Treborth, where the last recorded sighting was way back in 1976 according to a local conservationist.

Estimates suggest over 300 red squirrels live on Anglesey as a result of a focused programme carried out over a decade of clearing grey squirrels from the island.

Further culling of the grey squirrel variety may now be necessary, according to Dr Craig Shuttleworth, a conservationist closely involved in the red squirrel preservation programme.

He believes the two red squirrels were probably young adult males and so were more likely to be adventurous and push boundaries by crossing one of the Menai Straits bridges.

There was a notable decline in the 1980's of what was once a thriving island population of this fascinating mammal, according to Friends of Anglesey Red Squirrels, due to the growing predominance of the grey squirrel.

If anyone spots any of these creatures on the mainland, please leave a comment below. Tell us briefly where you spotted the squirrel(s).

Do you believe there should be further culling of the grey squirrel?

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