Rare albino squirrel spotted by caretaker in Waterlooville primary school gardens

Jonny Ashton, a caretaker at Mill Hill Primary, Waterlooville, first spotted the rare squirrel three weeks ago running across the car park.

He then saw the animal again on Monday night, eating from the bird feeder in the school gardens.

There are thought to be around only 50 albino squirrels in the UK.

This particular squirrel is believed to spend time in the trees behind the school’s garage.

Jonny said: ‘I didn’t even know white squirrels existed.

‘We’re going to either make or buy a specific squirrel feeder to encourage it to stay in the area.’

Sadly, the children at the school had all gone home when the squirrel appeared, but by researching what foods squirrels prefer Jonny hopes it will return so the students can see it.

He added: ‘We try and encourage wildlife into the school grounds; it’s nice for the children to see and hopefully be involved in.’

This is not the first time an albino squirrel has been spotted in Hampshire last year an amateur photographer snapped a picture of one in Portsmouth’s Kingston Cemetery.

Previously in 2019, an albino squirrel dubbed ‘Monty’ was a familiar sight for those visiting the Portsmouth University library and nearby Ravelin Park.

Anyone who sees a rare white squirrel is urged to report to the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, to allow them to record distribution and activity of rare species in the area.

To get in touch with the trust, visit hiwwt.org.uk/species-records

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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