Forty endangered red squirrels have been killed on the roads of Anglesey this year.
Now motorists are being urged to take care following the shock revelation.
The rodents were at one time under threat of being wiped out completely, with as few as a three dozen adults known to remain at their Anglesey stronghold.
But a massive cull of the aggressive grey squirrel, which began in 1998, has been hailed as a huge success having resulted in the numbers of the native red rise significantly to around 700.
In fact, the project has been so successful that plans are in place to extend the red’s current habitant over the Menai Strait into Gwynedd.
But experts are warning that their recovery is being hampered by the numbers killed on the island’s roads, with 40 having been found dead so far this year.
A study carried out by Dr Craig Shuttleworth of Bangor University, found that 48% of the 119 dead squirrels found between 2006 and 2013 were as the result of being hit by vehicles.
As a result, motorists are now being urged to take care when driving near the habitats, which include Newborough Forest, Menai Bridge, Plas Newydd near Llanfairpwll, Dulas, Benllech, Llangefni and parts of Holyhead.
Dr Shuttleworth said: “Unfortunately we have seen an increase in the numbers killed on the roads this year, which is disappointing news when what we’re trying to do is see their numbers grow.
“It can be quite upsetting to find the dead squirrels as a lot of people, especially on Anglesey, take an interest in the creatures.
“My only advice to motorists would be to take care, especially when driving near the areas they are known to breed.
“In this regard, we have held tentative discussions with the county council to see if we can install road signs to warn locals and tourists, to beware that red squirrels are breeding nearby.
“This will cost money of course, but we’re hopeful that a business or benefactor perhaps, would be willing to come forward and help us in this regard.”
Anglesey Council have been contacted for a response.
To contact Dr Shuttleworth, please telephone 07966 150 847 or email craig@redquirrels.info
See- http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/dozens-endangered-red-squirrels-killed-10503044
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