Where did New Forest's 'non-native' dormouse come from?
The dormouse, named Brie, was found at Godshill by a Salisbury man
The little species was discovered on Roger Penny Way on Saturday (6th December) by Sean Foote, from Salisbury.
The self-confessed 'nature nut' knew straight away that it wasn't a type of dormouse normally found here, and posted on social media about it.
It's thought the creature may have come here from mainland Europe, stowing away inside a vehicle to end up here.
APPEAL TO TRACE ORIGIN
Sean's now keen to find out for sure where the dormouse, who he has called Brie, has come from.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has backed up the thought that it could be a stowaway. They've said:
"Our ecologists have said it's a likely escapee or release. There is potential for any non-native species to establish and have negative impacts on native ones - so far this species has yet to breed but that doesn't mean it couldn't.
"It has been found previously in the UK under similar circumstances, likely release or escape."
There's now an appeal for more clues as to how she might she ended up here - Sean Foote posted on Twitter:
"With the suggestion that our dormouse may have hitched a ride in a car, it'd be great if we could possibly find the person who transported it accidentally. Who knows, we may be able to get her back to where she belongs!
"Do you or anyone you know fit these criteria: Driving along Roger Penny Way, near Godshill, on 6th December? Had just driven from the continent? The vehicle you were driving had barely been moved from the spot it was parked on the continent, for at least a month?"
'SHE'S DOING OK'
Sean has told Greatest Hits Radio that the dormouse was a little injured when she was picked up but things are improving.
He's said 'she is eating and is active'.