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The Red Squirrel Traditional Cache

Hidden : 7/24/2008
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
2.5 out of 5

Size: Size:   small (small)

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Geocache Description:

A forest walk to a wildlife hide where you can watch red squirrels.

The red squirrel is native to Britain, but its future is increasingly uncertain as the introduced American grey squirrel expands its range across the mainland. There are estimated to be only 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain, with over 2.5 million greys.

The red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) is small and distinctively reddish brown with a lighter underside, tufted ears and a bushy tail as long as its body.

Red squirrels live in all types of forest and woodlands, though are found in highest numbers in pinewoods. Their numbers have declined sharply over the last 50 years, while the greys have spread into deciduous woodland and gardens across most of the country. Competition from the greys is thought to be the main reason for the decline of the reds, with changes in woodland, disease and predation particularly by pine martens, also possible factors. Red squirrels are now protected by law and there are local groups and action plans trying to ensure their future.

To see the squirrels, go into the hide and wait. It might be 20 minutes to half an hour before they come back, but it's worth the wait.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Onfr bs gerr, va ohfu, oruvaq ybt

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)