Do red and grey squirrels interbreed?

OVER the last few weeks we have had reports of a red headed, grey squirrel in Southport, plus other sighting in other areas. This has lead to a question being asked:- "Do red and grey squirrels interbreed?" We have also spotted a squirrel, on a back street in Southport, a few days ago, in the early hours of the morning. These sightings come just as the UK is on alert for a more aggressive black counterpart, that threatens to overrun the grey squirrel within 10 years within Britain and represents yet another threat to the red squirrel population. Interestingly, the black squirrel is a genetic mutation of the grey squirrel. Therefore, they can interbreed with grey squirrels as they are from the same species, unlike red squirrels, which we are told are reproductively incompatible. Red squirrels are of a different species which means that red squirrels and grey squirrels are therefore makes it very unlikely that this is a mixed, but stranger things do happen. But realistically we are told that a red squirrels' fur coats can vary from a bright, rusty red to quite a dark colour, sometimes grey or almost black. Also some grey squirrels can also have red fur down their backs and on their feet. So what are our reader's thoughts on this? Is this proof that red and grey squirrels can interbreed or do you disagree? Have you seen this black squirrel, or similar, within grey or red territory? Please do let us know as we are keen to find out, so please email us to:- News24@SouthportReporter.com also do let us know, and see, if you get a picture of a squirrel like this.

Natterjack Running's last Squirrel Run for 2019

A local running club called Natterjack Running have been using the Freshfield and Formby pinewoods as its 2nd site for the Annual Squirrel Runs, these are organised by Darrell Soden, the owner of Natterjack Running, who have shops in Southport and the Liverpool City Centre.

This year's last run for the club took place on 17 September 2019, before the dark nights draw in, it is claimed to be probably it's best turn out as Runfitexpo, 361, Boundin Forward and CEP joined the parade of runners into the sand dunes.

People all across Merseyside hopped on Mersey rail to attend. We're lucky to have such easy access to a great rural landscape, using Merseyrail and this helps lowering our members' carbon footprint and it also allows people to get to good places quickly making it an even greener sport for everyone!!

Tom Davis, Boundin Forward owner said:- "The annual squirrel run's over the summer, bring together a number of running group's, and runners of all abilities are welcome to join in. This creates a fantastic atmosphere and a diverse range of running fanatics all of whom enjoy the scenery whilst completing a 5km or 10km run!"

Georgina from 361 added:- "Many thanks to Natterjack Running for organising a Squirrel Run on Tuesday evening and inviting 361europe and CEP Sports UK along. It was a great turn out from their club runners and local runners from all over who came along to support the event and many who tried 361 running shoes and CEP compression socks for the 1st time. It was a fabulous late summer evening run through the red squirrel reserve and pinewoods with a great sunset over the dunes, 1 of the most scenic runs we have done in a long time! We will look forward to joining everyone again."

The events like this have significant benefits for your fitness, running is a clean sport to keep people fit and healthy. It also helps to improve your mental wellbeing, by giving you news, social networking opportunities and also a change of environment, thus taking you away from the day to day stress you get at work, or as a student. We should be encouraging people to take part in events like this, as it helps to improve the nations health in more ways than just fitness. There are lots of clubs and events like this, and, we would strongly recommend people to look into running as a hobby and a way to keep fit and healthy.

It's also worth adding that some of the organisers of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon also took part in this event. So who knows who you will find yourself running with, should you join in with these events, in 2020!