Red Squirrel sightings

There were two probable sightings of a red squirrel in woodland near Coxbank last week.

One observant local resident says: "I am 99% certain I saw a red squirrel in the wooded area by the canal just south of Coxbank on Monday, 30th May at about 11.00am.

"It was just a fleeting glance, but it was too small to be a fox cub and it jumped like a squirrel. There was no mistaking the colour – bright orange! I hope it really was a squirrel."

Another sighting in the same place on the same day has also been reported to the Audlem Wildlife & Ecology Group.

Red Squirrels have been virtually wiped out over most of England by the Grey Squirrel, an American interloper, over the past century. Red Squirrels are still evident on islands such as Anglesey, the Isle of Wight and a pocket near Formby. Northumberland and Scotland still have many reds.

It maybe worth keeping an eye out as it will be of considerable interest to wildlife enthusiasts if there are Red Squirrels in the area.

Update: Two more sightings have been reported to Audlem Online this morning, one also around Bridge 74 on the canal and the other on Long Lane by a cyclist.

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