A man is determined to get to the bottom of mysterious squirrel deaths in a city garden.
Mark, a 65-year-old man from Brighton who did not wish to share his last name, is a frequent visitor to the Royal Pavilion Gardens, where he tends to the squirrels that live there.
However, on recent visits, Mark has been horrified to find dead and ill squirrels in the park.
He said: “I go to the Pavilion Gardens nearly every day. I come down to look after the squirrels and have been doing so for 15 years.
“We found about ten squirrels dead in the last few weeks. One was left suffering for four days.”
Mark described seeing the squirrels in pain and discomfort, as they refused the shelled nuts he brings for them.
He added: “I have been very depressed to see them this way.
“People rely on them for emotional reasons. They’re loved by people and tourists here so it’s very sad.”
Mark reported that over four weeks, approximately ten squirrels have been found dead by himself, gardeners, and security at the gardens.
He also described how he found one squirrel, who he has named Rosie, weak and unable to balance in a tree, so he nursed her back to health with food.
Another man who frequents the garden, Antonio, told The Argus that one died at his feet while sitting on a bench.
A spokesman for Brighton and Hove Museums, who manage the gardens, said: “We are very sorry to hear reports of the death of some squirrels in the Pavilion Garden.
“We realise how distressing it must be for visitors to the garden who, like us, love the wildlife and nature in the heart of our city.
“We do not know how the squirrels have died and so we cannot comment whether the deaths were by natural causes or other reasons.
“We can reassure visitors that we are not culling or poisoning squirrels in the garden.
“We appreciate the biodiversity in the garden, manage our gardening on organic principles and do everything we can to enhance the garden for the benefit of animals, birds and insects wherever possible.”
The cause of the squirrels' deaths remains unknown.
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