Two tiny red squirrel kits rescued after being found in ditch near Oban

The pair have been named Fanta and TangoTwo tiny red squirrel kits have been rescued after being found soaking wet in a ditch near Oban.The pair, who have been named Fanta and Tango, were discovered by a member of the public on April 1 – with no adult red squirrel in sight.The animals are thought to have fallen from their nest – known as a drey. One of the squirrels had suffered a leg injury. Fanta and Tango were taken to the charity’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross. They received a course of antibiotics and are continuing to be cared for by the Small Mammals team. The duo have now been moved to the centre’s large outdoor enclosure where they are able to further recover and explore safely. Fanta and Tango have been microchipped to be monitored after they are released. | Scottish SPCA.They arrived on April Fool’s Day – but haven’t stopped playing pranks. The pair have also been microchipped which helps to monitor them long after they have been released. Fanta and Tango’s arrival at the Scottish SPCA coincides with the first ever Save Our Reds Day on May 15 – a campaign held across the UK to protect red squirrels as a native species and their habitats. Scotland is home to 80 per cent of the red squirrel population. Molly Martin, from the Scottish Wildlife Trust's Saving Scotland's Red Squirrels project, said: "Red squirrels are a much-loved species here in Scotland. With their russet fur and tufted ears, they’re a real joy to spot when you’re out and about in our woodlands, and even in urban parks and gardens in some parts of the country. “We’re lucky to have around 80 per cent of the UK’s red squirrels here, but we are at risk of losing this iconic Scottish wildlife. Red squirrels are under threat of being replaced by invasive non-native grey squirrels, which outcompete them for food and habitat, and can carry the deadly squirrelpox virus. “Red squirrels are also affected by habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as climate change and road collisions. The pair have been named Fanta and Tango. | Scottish SPCA.“Saving Scotland’s Red Squirrels is a partnership project dedicated to protecting and restoring populations of red squirrels across the country. We’re proud to have support from organisations such as the Scottish SPCA, as well as members of the public. “One of the best ways anyone can get involved with red squirrel conservation is by reporting sightings of red and grey squirrels on our website.” You can donate to the Wild Lives appeal today and help give Scotland’s wildlife a fighting chance.