Red squirrels have been a dying breed in the UK for over a century since the introduction of the grey from North America. The grey carries the squirrel pox virus and while they are immune to it, it is a fatal virus for the red squirrel. There are estimated to be only 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain, with over 2.5 million greys.

But there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for these Squirrel Nutkins. Red Squirrels may now be fighting back thanks to a recent discovery that a small group of reds have been found to be immune to this virus. The findings, published in EcoHealth, suggest a vaccine could now help to save red squirrels from annihilation. Fingers crossed!

Did you know?
Squirrels can swim - and they are either right or left handed.