There is a new threat facing the Red Squirrel, the threat of leprosy. The disease causes Red Squirrels to lose limbs, hair and teeth.
Autopsy's on the bodies of several mammals, such as the Red Squirrel, found that the disease was rife throughout certain wild animals.
The first time that leprosy was reported in the Red Squirrel was back in 2014. However, wildlife conservationists think that Red Squirrels could have had leprosy as far back as 2006.
The news is not very encouraging for the Red Squirrel. As there are only 120,000 Red Squirrels left in the wild. Most of these Red Squirrels, 75% of them, are found in Scotland.
Another threat the Red Squirrel faces is the Grey Squirrel. Who have a very healthy population of 2.5 million Grey Squirrels.
Although the Red Squirrel faces many challenges, they are no an endangered species.