Following two sightings of sick and lethargic red squirrels in Minehead Woods, Bridge of Allen, concerns are rising that squirrelpox, a lethal virus to red squirrels, is spreading further north.
Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels (SSRS), the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s partner organisation, has asked for vigilance and preventative action by people living in the area. Locals are asked to bring bird feeders in for a month to prevent the spread of disease.
Locals have also been asked to keep a close eye out, take photos of any sick or deceased red squirrels in the area, and email these to squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk.
Gail Turney from SSRS said, “We don’t know for certain what these squirrels may be suffering from as red squirrels can be affected by a number of illnesses, especially during the winter, but as a precaution, we are now asking all those living in Bridge of Allan to take immediate action.”
Squirrelpox is not harmful to humans, however, SSRS advises not to approach a diseased squirrel. Instead, contact squirrels@scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk for advice.
Squirrelpox in Scotland
In 2007, Lockerbie experienced the first known outbreak of squirrelpox in Scotland. Since then, squirrel populations across southern Scotland have suffered from the disease. The first red squirrel death north of the central belt was confirmed in Dumfermline in the spring of 2024.
Invasive, non-native grey squirrels carry the virus. They are not impacted by squirrelpox; however, they spread it to native red squirrels, to whom it is quickly fatal. The disease causes ulcers, scabs and lesions, which prevent the squirrel from eating, drinking, or moving. It is lethal, and an outbreak can cause a local population to crash quickly.
Alongside spreading squirrelpox, grey squirrels outcompete reds for food and habitat. As a result, roughly 80% of the UK’s red squirrel population now resides in Scotland, having been displaced by the greys.
The red squirrel is an iconic and valued sight in Scotland, having been classed as ‘Near Threatened’ in England following the introduction of non-native grey squirrels who asymtomatically carry lethal squirrelpox. Without conservation management, red squirrels risk future extinction in southern parts of the UK. This threat extends further north as Squirrelpox spreads beyond the border.
Stirling’s Red Squirrel Love
The University of Stirling declares their love for the local squirrel with the on-campus presence of a six-foot tall mascot. The Stirling Squirrel has been recognised as the ‘Number 1 University Mascot in Scotland’ and ‘2nd in the world’ in the Bantshire International University Mascot Rankings, revealing the affection for the native animal. It is a well-loved mascot by students on campus, featuring in graduation selfies, open days, and even the campus gift shop.
Brig asked a Bridge of Allen resident, Ali Rees, how they felt about the rising threat of squirrelpox:
“It’s really sad to think the red squirrel population could be wiped out in such a short space of time after so much care to build up the population.
“It feels amazing to see a red squirrel, and I really hope they can survive.”
Current students studying at the University of Stirling commented on the threat to the native squirrel population:
“I definitely feel concerned to see the red squirrel population being threatened,
“They are an iconic symbol of Stirling’s campus, and it would be tragic to lose them from this area.”
If you want to get involved in red squirrel conservation, there are numerous projects, volunteer schemes, and events to get involved in. You can see them on the Saving Scotland Red Sqirrels’ webpage. Educating, understanding, and getting stuck into conservation will help to protect Scotland’s native squirrel population.
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Journalism student at the University of Stirling & BRAW Magazine editor 24/25 and 25/26 🙂
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