There are around 3,500 red squirrels on the Isle of Wight and like other wildlife such as badgers, foxes, rabbits and stoats, unfortunately sometimes they become victim to a road collision.
Islander Dave Otter had the misfortune to witness a red squirrel being knocked down by a car last week and felt it was a good time to remind drivers to be more aware on our country roads.
Otter: “This little one died in my hands”
Dave was driving through Havenstreet going towards the station and saw the squirrel being hit just before the bridge.
He says that red squirrels are pretty active at the moment and has this message for drivers,
“Slow your speed on our country roads. Just saw this little one run over and it died in my hands, its body still warm and I’m sure it could have been prevented if the driver was more alert.”
Otter: “Awful to see it die in such pain”
Dave told News OnTheWight,
“It’s not just that so many are being killed, but also the drivers behind, like me, who had to witness it and this one was an awful one to see it die in such pain and slowly.”
Report sightings
The Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust are keen to be made aware of any dead red squirrels that are spotted on the Island.
They say,
“However unsavoury this may seem, these provide useful information about the health of red squirrels in the area.
“Corpses can provide valuable data without the need to capture live animals. Weight, body measurements, sex and general condition are all recorded as well as cause of death.”
Contact Wight Squirrel Project if you find a dead squirrel on the Isle of Wight. Visit their Website to find out more.
Find out more about the work of the Isle of Wight Red Squirrel Trust by visiting their Website.
