Red squirrel kits rescued by Scottish SPCA in Oban after being found in ditch

Two tiny red squirrel kits, which are thought to have fallen from their nest near Oban, have been rescued by animal welfare charity the Scottish SPCA.

The pair, who have been named Fanta and Tango, were discovered soaking wet in a ditch at the base of a tree by a member of the public on April 1. No adult red squirrel was in sight.

The injured animals were taken to the charity’s wildlife rescue centre in Fishcross, where they received a course of antibiotics and are continuing to be cared for.

The team say Fanta and Tango have recently been moved to the centre’s large outdoor enclosure, where they are able to further recover and explore safely.

The pair have also been microchipped to be monitored after they are released.

Scotland is home to around 80% of the UK’s red squirrel population – but numbers have seriously declined, and the native species is classed as a near-threatened in Scotland.

Non-native invasive grey squirrels threaten to replace red squirrels, as they outcompete them for food and habitat, and can carry squirrelpox.

Red squirrels are also affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as climate change and road collisions.

Molly Martin, from the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels project, said: “Red squirrels are a much-loved species here in Scotland. With their russet fur and tufted ears, they’re a real joy to spot when you’re out and about in our woodlands, and even in urban parks and gardens in some parts of the country.

“Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project dedicated to protecting and restoring populations of red squirrels across the country.”