Red squirrels 'drown' in Culbin Forest water butt
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FIVE red squirrels are believed to have drowned in an uncovered water butt on local woodland.
It is believed the creatures, a protected species, had been trying to drink the water in the warm weather and became trapped.
The grim discovery was made by a member of the public who came across the bodies of three red squirrels in the same spot while taking exercise in Culbin Forest on Wednesday, April 22.
Perplexed by the way the creatures were "laid out together" and the fact there was no blood or apparent injury, the find was reported to Forestry and Land Scotland and Police Scotland.
Forestry staff subsequently found another two dead squirrels in the same area during their investigations.
A spokesperson for Forestry and Land Scotland said today: "We can confirm that five red squirrels were found dead next to an uncovered water butt at Culbin and we have reported the matter to the local Police Scotland wildlife crime officer.
"From the condition and location of the bodies, our initial impression is that in the current, extremely dry conditions the squirrels were driven by thirst to try and get to the water in the butt, fell in, were unable to get out and drowned.
"It would appear that someone has taken the carcasses out of the water but had arrived too late to be able to help."
The spokesperson added: "This is a terrible thing to happen to the local red squirrel population and we will be looking to act, as soon as possible in the current circumstances, to remedy this situation and check on other water butts in the forest and make them safe."
A local police spokesperson said: "We have been made aware by the Forestry Commission that a number of deceased squirrels have been found in Culbin Woods.
"Presently there is no evidence of criminality and the Forestry Commission are making further enquiries."
Red squirrels and their dreys are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
The much-loved creatures are frequently spotted in the 14km of pine forest which stretches from Nairn along the coast to Findhorn and on which they rely to feed, nest and breed.
