Endangered Red Squirrel Thriving in Small Town | Coexistence | BBC Earth

Red squirrel populations are declining in the UK, with deadly diseases such as squirrelpox threatening their survival. But in the small town of Formby, people are coming together to help secure their future.
Hosted by wildlife presenter Hannah Stitfall (@hannahstitfall via IG).
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Animals are learning to survive and thrive in one very surprising habitat - cities. Join wildlife presenter Hannah Stitfall as she sets out on a mission to meet our new neighbours. #coexistence
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[@philonutube100]

I'm 62 and never seen a Red, but we're over run by those pesky grey varmints.!

[@aliciamarie9704]

Do you have black ones there? I didn’t know black ones existed until I moved to the American west

[@philonutube100]

@@aliciamarie9704 Never heard of them either, if we had they've probably been run outa town by Wild Bill Squirrel.

[@whysoserious5854]

I have a simple shot catapult for such squirrels lol

[@berserker2923]

I'm glad that I live in Germany and that we don't have problems with the Eastern Gray Squirrels (yet). It's pretty common to see the Red Squirrels here, got some on my balcony quite often.

[@WhistlesToAnimals]

They really need to teach people--starting in schools--about the environment and how destructive invasive species can be. And how to respect the ecosystems in where they live.

[@random22453]

They already do-

[@WhistlesToAnimals]

@@random22453 In the 13 schools that I worked in, I never heard anything about conservation. And from the way people think and act, I'm not convinced they teach much about the importance of respecting animals. I'm not talking about people getting ornithology degrees, I mean this should be taught and mentioned from K-12.

[@random22453]

@@WhistlesToAnimals i don't know what school's you're working at but my school just made us do a presentation and project on several topics such as reservation of endangered species, green building and biodiversity

[@random22453]

@@WhistlesToAnimals we have an entire subject called environmental sciences

[@WhistlesToAnimals]

@@random22453 Is this K-12? I hope it is! And I hope it is in every city and in every state, and that the environment is mentioned in every grade.

[@3winanimal]

It's always heartening to hear about endangered species thriving in their natural habitats. The fact that the red squirrel population is doing well in a small town is particularly encouraging, as it suggests that conservation efforts and habitat protection can have a positive impact on these animals. It's crucial that we continue to support and expand these efforts, to ensure that endangered species can recover and thrive for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

[@mikeheasman2594]

A lot of effort by mostly volunteers goes into trapping and shooting the eastern greys to keep the two species apart. Squirrels aren't really affected by habitat change as they are very adaptable and can live happily in an urban environment.

[@chiekofukuda4668]

たまたま見つけたこのチャンネル😃BBC ❣️色が鮮明で綺麗。ナレーションも良い👍昔から大好き😘これから楽しみ😍

[@Macieks300]

There are red squirrels everywhere here in my city of Warsaw. They're in every park and they are not afraid at all and kids feed them all the time.

[@3winanimal]

It's wonderful to hear that there are healthy populations of red squirrels in your city of Warsaw! These animals can be a delight to observe and interact with, and it's heartening to know that they are thriving in their urban environment. It's important to remember to approach wildlife with respect and care, and to not feed them human food, as this can cause health issues and alter their natural behavior. By appreciating these animals and working to preserve their habitats, we can continue to enjoy their presence and contribute to their conservation.

[@Shirogari]

I love the pictures that one guy made in his garden

[@ottobrandenburg-xk4om]

A bit sad to learn the red squirrels 🐿️🐿️🐿️ are listed as an endangered animals in UK. I have been to UK🇬🇧 for my holiday. One of my travel destinations there is having walk in the English country side🏡. so I can see all these beautiful red squirrels🐿️🐿️🐿️ having fun together in the trees🌳🌲. Hi from Cologne Germany 🇩🇪

[@petetling]

thank you hannah for your advocacy in creating awareness for animals who are in need of our help. love your work. stay healthy and keep safe. 😊

[@DeLion_1612]

I was able to see a red squirrel at a nature reserve and they are truly friendly, adorable and inquisitive creatures

[@joescarrott7964]

I would like to see all of uk co existing with nature and want more red squirrels 🥺❤️

[@bokonoo77]

can't do that with greys you gotta exterminatus with it unless you want your native species go extinct it also reminds me of third world immigration

[@twinflowerfioretta]

Love squirrel, as a child we visited every sunday a place in the woods, we could feed squirrels with nuts. - i never forget their little "hands" taking gently the food from my little child hand, i was always so excited and happy ! Precious animals☝💝

[@MabDarogan2]

The editor can't tell a pine from a cypress

[@Natureindica]

Thanks BBC Earth

[@markterrell1353]

The squirrel she captured was a very vibrant red from head to tip of the tail. The others were like a mix between the two squirrel species

[@mikeheasman2594]

They can be similar in colour but the eastern greys has a white halo around the tail, doesn't have ear tuffs durring the winter and is almost twice the size.

[@1969kodiakbear]

Beautiful forest. By the way, I have difficulty communicating because I had a stroke in Broca’s area, the part of the brain that controls speech. 2/8/2021 but I lived again. (My wife helped me compose this.)

[@mevludinandnikole]

When I moved to Michigan I saw the black squirrels for the first time.

[@cardboardbox3787]

I've only seen a red squirrel once and it is still such a beautiful memory amazing animals.

[@mikeheasman2594]

It is a myth that red squirrels prefer pine forests and greys prefer mixed broadleaf woodland. Both prefer mixed broadleaf and the nut and seed supply from that type of woodland/forest. Reds have been forced out into pine forests as the greys dominate the food supply. One hectare of perfect woodland can support one red squirrel whereas it can support anything from three to thirty grey squirrels.

[@Thegreyreaperuk]

Yip mate a bit of totally misleading info.

[@binitagolari7814]

There are so cute & gentle..

[@rhondalee2170]

Wow! Who would've thought that the lil ones we take for granted here in my yard and trees is so barren in the U.K. I love to go outside in the morning and watch the birds and raccoons, possum and they play up and scurry around the yard. My Lab even let's them do their rituals in the back yard and doesn't try to harm them. But he hates a turtle. I don't know why. Thank you for this about squirrel pox! I wouldn't have known if you hadn't said something about it!

[@whysoserious5854]

Uk iis a horrid place now over filled tiny island gun crime stabbings all gone through the roof ... I'd give my left arm to live In America I know the US is crazy violent I just love it

[@3winanimal]

It's wonderful that you have a love for the natural world and appreciate the wildlife that shares your environment with you. It's important to recognize that while some species may seem common and abundant in one region, they may be struggling or endangered in other parts of the world. It's crucial that we continue to learn about and protect these species, through education, conservation efforts, and habitat preservation. And of course, it's always heartening to hear about animals coexisting peacefully with domestic pets, like your Lab and the backyard wildlife.

[@caspion1647]

Well the main issue with red squirrels in Britain is that they're on an island. So the impact of the non-natuve greys is a lot worse there than on for example the mainland (although the mainland of Europe still suffers a little from it) where red squirrel populations can interbreed with each other

[@fatihaskl4218]

Thanks hannah...

[@ElephantSoul]

Beautiful place 🥰

[@raphlvlogs271]

they want from common to a relic in a short period of time

[@momoney8343]

There its a lot of red aquirrel in cuba . And they are more red than this ones

[@markwager8294]

Here in southern Ontario our Gray Squirrels are turning black from a melanistic strain dominating the population. Especially in urban environments where it may be more advantageous. I'd guess 2 out of every 3 "Gray" squirrels I see in my back yard are actually black.

[@footfault1941]

Yeah, squirrel is, squirrel does. Not precise expression though, those arboreal rodents are just amazing. Their locomotive skill in the tree is so light, agile & fast! So nice to watch their livelihood. Some relatives even enhanced their locomotion ability into an aerial regime. It's a sad & surprising fact they're threatened for survival!

[@3winanimal]

You are absolutely right - squirrels are incredible creatures with amazing locomotive skills, particularly in trees. It's fascinating to watch them navigate their environment with such ease and agility. It is also unfortunate that many species of squirrels, including the red squirrel, are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss, poaching, and other factors. As humans, it is our responsibility to protect and preserve these animals and their habitats, to ensure that they can continue to thrive and be appreciated for generations to come.

[@AelwynMr]

Red squirrel population has been booming here in NE Italy, since about 2-3 years I see them all the time. I would say about half have grey or black hair, and half are red. We have a few grey squirrels as well here and there, so there's fear that the reds will eventually be displaced here as well, but at the moment... they are doing great!

[@brendananderson3701]

Do you monitor what is happening in Italy with the Greys Are they getting controlled They really need to get on top of them as fast as possible or they will be a big problem

[@Cardistian]

😄So jealous y'all have red squirrels🐿 I've actually never seen 1 myself other than online. We only have gray squirrels here. I really hope the declining #s of the red squirrels are able to be protected enough to allow them to regain a better population beyond the endangered categories. Certainly seems to be highly likely they will succeed because of how cute all red squirrels are😄 with their little mohawks & awesome colors😍🌰🐿🌳

[@globalfamily8172]

I live in New England and we have many red squirrels on our property. They are extremely noisy and aggressive, but cute.

[@malcolmdonnison3987]

They aren't red squirrel s they are fox squirrels 😮

[@SchizophrenixTheGaul3478]

*Grey-word* That's NUTS!

[@malcolmdonnison3987]

Not funny at all 😢

[@toralbonds3330]

Squirrel Life💞

[@lukethekuya]

Total Grey Squirrel Death

[@SchizophrenixTheGaul3478]

Hitting them with the TGD straight out of Ohio 🗣️🗣️🗣️🔥🔥🔥

[@rajneeshtrivedi8389]

You are so cute ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@vanshsharma8318]

Very nice video ☺️☺️☺️☺️☺️😇♥️♥️♥️♥️ well done do it

[@neilthomas6042]

The Red Squirrels are very cute Pretty presenter.

[@jujitsujew23]

If I lived in England I would be a grey squirrel hunter. It’s parts of America people still eat them and they’re quite good

[@MrCaptnrex]

Over here in Michigan we normally have fox, red and grey squirrels normally, but unfortunately Will Keith Kellogg, founder of the Kellogg Company, brought black squirrels from Europe over to kill our red ones in Michigan and the little jerks have been aggressively fighting the native ones ever since and spreading. One of the few times I recommend if anyone sees them, get rid of them

[@hendryde-lux4287]

Strange things to hate, red squirrels and masturbation

[@maxmustermann9936]

They are really endangered? Wow I didn't know

[@syednadal9142]

Thanks boss🏹💄🌺🧚‍♀️🌠⚘💘

[@petergardner2334]

you need to control the gray squirral s they raid bird nest to

[@raphlvlogs271]

have red squirrels also been introduced to places over seas too?

[@Huntermonster12]

❤❤❤❤❤

Schön 😎

[@syednadal9142]

Coexistence + coincident

[@kirgizikable]

it is so over for red squirrel bros...

[@Thegreyreaperuk]

Not on our watch…..we as a group try and keep on top of grey populations all over the country.

[@SchizophrenixTheGaul3478]

We're just getting started

[@fng303]

Very photogenic. The presenter.

[@Kais.]

I had no idea grey squirrels were non-native, brought over from North America. Should we not be trying to lower the population of them?

[@jacksugden8190]

Some think that red ones were not endangered at all, as no evidence to suggest other wise….

[@Men_Channel.]

🐿🐿🐿💯%%%👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@pratyushneo4267]

❤❤❤

[@raphlvlogs271]

do grey squirrels eat pine cones like that too?

[@brendananderson3701]

yes

[@joebutta7539]

"Sk-wurl-els"

[@jerrylee8261]

Wish she had covered why gray squirrels are immune to squirrel pox but red squirrels are not.

[@mikeheasman2594]

It's the same as why Europeans were immune to small pox and native Americans weren't. When a population has thousands of years to develope natural immunity to a disease and then introduces that disease into a different population that hasn't.

[@thepilotman5378]

People worrying about a squirrel going extinct because it's red

[@ashleycullen.933]

Red native squirrels being pushed out by American greys. It's our trees and song bird are effected too. So yes its worrying that our british wildlife if being destroy by greys.

[@sibamsao5529]

❤❤❤❤

[@WestExplainsBest]

Well, they're not endangered near my bird feeders! Those little guys are scurrying all over those seed dispensers!

[@WhistlesToAnimals]

Eurasian red squirrels are eating your bird seeds?

[@Kris_Lighthawk]

Red Squirrels are only endangered in UK, in mainland Europe they are very common.

[@WestExplainsBest]

@@WhistlesToAnimals Good point. No, the species on my feeders are not endangered.

[@WhistlesToAnimals]

@@WestExplainsBest I'm happy to hear that you are nice to your local birds and have feeders.

[@3winanimal]

It's always delightful to see wildlife thriving in their natural habitats, such as the squirrels near your bird feeders. While some species of squirrels may be threatened or endangered in certain areas, it's important to appreciate and protect the healthy populations wherever they may be found. By providing habitats and food sources for these animals, we can help them to continue to thrive and bring joy to our lives with their playful antics and lively behavior.

[@Bikashdebbarma-gx4sq]

Hello mam BBC earth channel superb outstanding channel

[@user-nj8ux9fe6i]

🌹 🌹

[@jojobegood]

❤😊

[@brendananderson3701]

When the grey squirrel comes into contact with the Red squirrel and it is carrying squirrel pox it can take up to 14 days to die and the pain is unbearable it can be a very slow death if we can not stop this there is No hope for the Red squirrels and we should be holding are heads in shame not the Reds in pain. Why we have to keep culling the grey Squirrel in the UK and Ireland One of the biggest factors the deaths of the Red squirrel and a lot of other wildlife is down to people thinking that the greys are cute there is nothing cute about a grey and in no way like a red squirrel One of the problems is the public have made this worse by feeding greys which has put more pressure on the Reds than anything else even if you feed grey Squirrels hundreds of miles away it still has a knock-on effect by displacement Greys tend to move a mile a day through a wood, so you are not necessarily seeing the same greys And Greys do not only carry squirrel pox they carry about another 8 diseases which has effect on humans as well as other wildlife Adenovirus being the most serious as the greys move forward into a Red area it also kills mice and anything else that can be affected by this disease and this in turn has a knock effect on birds of prey and even Adders with the loss of Mice their food source And probably a lot more things that we do not even know about So not only did are ancestors make the initial mistake all of the do Gooders are carrying it on and making it worse for are Reds And the people that are trying to protect the Reds get all of the abuse for trying to save them and put the problem right As for all the other things pine marten and the idea that we can find a cure for squirrel pox and the Sterilisation are a total waste of time Pine marten do not have a natural predator and do not need to feed on greys all the time they will eat anything else other than Greys if they get the chance I have had messages sent to me from so many people telling me how they are finding dead pine martens that have starved to death as they have been released in areas with not enough food and to many pine marten in the one area Sterilisation is not the answer also just think about it It has to be done over 5 years and possible more than that where are you going to get the thousands of people that are going to man these feeders and how do you know you are going to get everyone and the cost to set up If there is going to be a winner here it will be where they change the greys DNA so that they can only produce Males and then more males and so on But what happens when you get all of these males, and they are needing to find a female are they going to tear through all of the Red areas until they die out spreading the pox and adenovirus even faster The reason why it is a waste of time to find a fix for the reds to survive against pox is Greys eat the food before it is ripe so will actually starve the Reds to death Also, female Reds have to get to a certain body weight before she can breed so she will never get to achieve this with the lack of food about Greys also breed all year round so will outperform the Reds Sorry to say this but we have to keep trapping and shooting and probably everything else also But we need the public to stop feeding them it only means we have to cull more Greys and even more greys and even more greys It has to be said we are losing the Reds due to no action being taken All of these big wood owners not looking after their estates the Greys damaging all of their trees, but they take money of the general public to look after the trees Like the national trust, woodland trust, wildlife trust, the rspb (which is a total waste of time) and the councils whose job it is to look after the health and safety of the general public And the forestry which is supposed to be trying to make money from selling the wood and they don't do squirrel control As well It is time for a big fight back now it is time that these organisations get their act together and get the Greys gone

[@whysoserious5854]

I'm getting a wasp slingshot flat bands and 9mm ball bearings ima knock some grey heads to the after life

[@78fty95]

We call those fox squirrels in Louisiana and they get massive here. Rare to see in urban settings around here but out in the country where I live I can video at least 8-10 of them every morning/evening out in my yard. We hunt regular grey squirrels to eat but never fox squirrels. It’s not illegal here either to kill them so one nice one as a mount doesn’t hurt at all. Other than that we just don’t shoot them. Beautiful animals

[@neil340]

This video had a total of 1 min of squirrel and lots of selfie

[@paras891]

If you wanna encounter Urban species, Indian cities should be in your bucket list

[@ashleycullen.933]

Save a red, kill a grey.

[@whysoserious5854]

Getting a wasp catapult tomoz bro flat bands and 9mm ball bearings will see wagwarn with them 50 shades

[@bobbysime1372]

Yes, they are invaders in Scotland and killing our red squirrels

[@bossmatsymoto]

🎀дякую🇺🇦

[@edwardbrindley7572]

We here in America have no problems with these little guys, they hold their grounds over our gray sequels here, and shouldn't that infected dead animal be baged?

[@patrickchoque7720]

Not the same, this is the Eurasian red squirrel, the American red squirrel is a different species.

[@Keckegenkai]

These cant be the same species as are shown in this video. European/Asian squirrels in habit only Eurasia

[@3winanimal]

While it's wonderful to hear that squirrels are thriving in certain areas of America, it's important to remember that some species may still face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and other factors. Regarding the infected dead animal, it's important to dispose of it properly to prevent the spread of disease to other wildlife or even to humans. Taking steps to protect and preserve our natural environment is crucial for ensuring the survival of wildlife and a healthy ecosystem for all.

[@Vip__honey]

Congrats to everyone who is early And who found this comment 👏 ❤

[@dottiegillespie8067]

Good morning to you, wishing you a wonderful day!

[@shivpatel5413]

?GM!

[@2eleven48]

I don't understand. Why should you congratulate us, and why should we congratulate you? Deeply puzzling.

[@shivpatel5413]

@@2eleven48 !bro_wht?

[@shivpatel5413]

☝️✖️👍➗💱

[@shivpatel5413]

🔖⛑🛟⛔️🚻🔴➗✖️🌲🌵🪵🍁🍂🪹🐿🦤👍🪹🙅🏽‍♂️ 1 like yall WUNK 😉 WONK

[@jelly.212]

We need to introduce grey squirrels to increase diversity and stop these redcist

[@rick2898]

I have to pause you at 09:00. How does one become a "Red squirrel officer"?