Red Squirrel Week: How can you help?
It's Red Squirrel Week 2015 (Mon 28 Sept – Sun 4 Oct) - and AOL Travel is getting involved to support the conservation of these endangered British animals.
Autumn is the perfect time of year to keep an eye out for the stunning russet coloured creatures as they race through the British woodland.
Watch: Squirrel steals GoPro camera and makes a run for it
Red squirrels are native to Britain, but there are thought to be only around 140,000 left in the country. According to the Forestry Commission, the introduction of the American grey squirrel has massively impacted the lives of the red squirrel and grey squirrels in the UK are thought to total around 2.5 million.
The main issue facing red squirrels is the threat from grey squirrels. The RSST reports that 60 per cent of grey squirrels in the UK carry the squirrelpox virus. This has no effect on the greys but it can prove deadly if transmitted on to red squirrels.
If you're not sure you've ever even seen a red squirrel in the UK you might be right. The animals are very elusive and choose to spend the majority of their time in tree canopies.
Confusingly, the colouring of red squirrels varies with some appearing almost grey in colour. Similarly some grey squirrels may have flashes of red fur down their backs and on their feet.
See also: Baby squirrel hitchhikes on plane (cute picture)
Although they can be found all around the country, there are some areas that are known to be red squirrel strongholds, according to the Wildlife Trusts. These include: Scotland, Northumberland and the Lake District with others scattered in further south in England and Wales.
Where can you see them?
Top spot for red squirrel viewing: Brownsea Island, Dorset. This island sanctuary, located within Poole Harbour and only accessible by boat, is a haven for wildlife. Thriving natural habitats provide great wildlife spotting potential, particularly for the often elusive rare red squirrel.
Other places to seek out red squirrels: Formby, Lancashire; Mount Stewart, Co. Down; Wallington, Northumberland and the Isle of Wight.
Head to the Red Squirrels Northern England website for more information on where to see them?
How can you help?
The Red Squirrel Survival Trust (RSST) aims to conserve and protect the lives of red squirrels in the UK.
The RSST focuses specifically on the areas around the UK where red squirrels are seriously endangered.
Those who want to help protect the lives of red squirrels in the UK can sign up to become a friend of the Red Squirrel Survival trust here.
If you live in the north of England you can donate here to help red squirrels in your area and those living in Scotland adopt a red squirrel, make a donation or submit a squirrel sighting on the Scottish Squirrels website.
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