Is Mystery Squirrel Playing Possum After un-common Sighting
Walkers on Wimbledon Common could be forgiven for thinking they are
nuts following reports of a mystery mammal.
According to an eyewitness a strange animal similar to a squirrel is
hiding out on the common leaving people wondering what kind of beast
it could be.
So far educated guesses on website Wild About Britain have included
the Australasian sugar glider, the North American flying squirrel or
another species of possum.
Rather more tongue-in-cheek suggestions have included a flying womble
- on account of the common being home to the fictional TV characters.
Wandsworth's Kolin Barnz, who spotted the beast while on the commen,
said: "It was squirrel-like but its face looked more mouse-like, with
long whiskers, black eyes and small ears.
"As it jumped between trees, flaps of skin stretched between its front
and back legs and it gilded to the next tree. I couldn't believe my
eyes." How the animal got to its new home is anyone's guess, but it is
possible it could be someone's escaped pet.
Local Guardian: 3rd October 2007
