THE hunt is on for an extremely rare creature thought to be one of less than 50 in the entire country which was spotted in Worcester this week.

Worcester News reader Vicky Burton got in touch with the paper to let us know she had spotted an albino squirrel on Worcester Racecourse on Tuesday, October 7.

According to wildlife experts say only about one in every 100,000 squirrels is born without any colour pigment, meaning there could be less than 50 in the entire country.

Mrs Burton said she spotted the unusual beast while driving past the racecourse at the section of Castle Street in front of The Hive at about 3.40pm on Tuesday.

“He was right next to the railings at the bottom of a tree,” she said.

“I went to take a photo but he moved and the one I have is very blurred.

“It's a shame really – I would have loved to get a picture as I didn't know they even existed until I saw it.

“I hope someone else spotted it or even managed to take a photo.

“I'm planning on having a good long walk around there at the weekend.”

Conservation officer at Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Steven Bloomfield said it was likely this was the first time an albino squirrel has been spotted in the county.

"We don't have any records of any being spotted around here before but given how rare they are that is not surprising," he said.

"The grey squirrel is common across the country so people will be very familiar with that but this is different.

"The only question I would have is if it is actually an albino squirrel and doesn't just have some unusual colouring.

"If someone could get a photo of it hopefully we would be able to establish that.

"In Hampshire last year there was a story about a pair of albino squirrels who it was thought came from the same mother, so if there is one there could be another, and how exciting would that be?

He added anyone who had seen the squirrel could let the trust know on 01905 754 919 or the Worcester Biological Records Centre - which collects data on plant and animal wildlife across the county - on 01905 759 759.

Have you spotted the albino squirrel? Let reporter Ian Craig know on 01905 742253 or via ic@worcesternews.co.uk.