Red squirrels 'thriving' on Anglesey after grey squirrel cull

Anglesey is now a grey squirrel-free zone, wildlife experts claim. It follows a controversial 20-year eradication programme of grey squirrels on the island.

Grey squirrels have been blamed for carrying diseases which have endangered the population of red squirrels.

More than 700 red squirrels are now thought to live on Anglesey, with many crossing the Menai Strait to settle in Bangor.

The cull was first suggested in the mid-1990s, with many experts predicting it would be impossible to kill all grey squirrels on the island.

The eradication programme has involved landowners trapping and killing the grey squirrels. Professional organisations have also helped with the cull.

It's has been criticised by some organisations who say plans to protect the red squirrel could represent a difficult balance between wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

The RSPCA Cymru believes science based alternatives to culling should have been investigated such as immuno-contraception trials to reduce the breeding success of grey squirrels.