The Scottish SPCA is appealing to the public to be #WildlifeWise around squirrel and fox habitats after recently experiencing a rise in avoidable admissions to their National Wildlife Rescue Centre.

We have seen squirrel and fox cubs come in to our care after their habitats have been decimated.

Scottish SPCA centre manager, Chris Hogsden, said, “Red squirrels are a protected species in Scotland and it is an offence to intentionally injure them or destroy their drey. This includes any structure that a red squirrel uses as shelter.

“Just this weekend we have had juvenile squirrel kits come in to our care after a tree was cut down, knocking them out of their home.

“We tried to reunite them with their mother but sadly had no luck.

“Last week tree surgeons cut down a tree resulting in two squirrels falling out of their drey, one of which unfortunately sustained a broken leg which we are now treating.

“We are also urging the public to keep their dogs on leads around fox dens after a dog sadly raided a den and killed two cubs. Two more cubs thankfully survived.

“Their mother came back and took the two deceased cubs and one of the live ones, leaving one that has come into our care.

“All of these animals are now in the care of our wildlife hospital and currently need round-the-clock care from our dedicated team, including being fed every two to three hours.

“This is before months of rehabilitation until they are old enough and strong enough to be released back in to the wild.

“Incidents like this are completely avoidable, and we are asking the public to be #WildlifeWise and help keep these animals in the wild where they belong.

“We are a charity which receives no government funding, so every resource we have matters.

“We know that Scotland is a nation of animal lovers, and we have so much amazing wildlife that we can all help to protect.

“If you find any sick or injured wildlife, please contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”