Threat of squirrel pox virus in Threkeld area. (Image: Camera Club)
RESIDENTS in the Threlkeld are being urged to temporarily stop feeding red squirrels due to a suspected outbreak of squirrel pox virus in the area.
Concerns were initially raised after consistently sighting the same unwell squirrel north of the A66.
In a post on social media, The Keswick Red Squirrel Group said: "We would ask for all feeding to be put on hold for at least two weeks, longer if possible, to give the remaining reds the best possible chance to move on and no have the virus spread on feeders.
"There is plenty of natural food about.
"The virus can spread in nature so this is not a perfect solution but it's the one thing we can all do."
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