Grey squirrels in the UK

The grey squirrel was introduced to the UK in the 18th century and their numbers quickly grew. Unfortunately, they carry a virus called squirrelpox, which does not affect them but can be fatal to red squirrels.

Grey squirrels can also eat acorns that are less ripe. Discover Wildlife wrote: “[the digestive system of a grey squirrel] can cope with the tannins whereas the red squirrels’ cannot.” Grey squirrels can deplete food sources and they also strip the bark off trees: sycamore, beech, hornbeam and pine.

It is now illegal (under The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019) to release grey squirrels back into the wild if you have rehabilitated one after an injury.

In February 2024, The Telegraph wrote that DEFRA is soon to publish methods to reduce grey squirrel populations, including hazelnut-spread spiked with contraceptives and gene-editing.

On 10th April 2024, MPs of the Isles of Anglesey and surrounding areas—which have a large red squirrel population—were asking for action to be taken against grey squirrels: encouraging trapping and culling. Conservative MP Virginia Crosbie said: “the government should be bold with its plans, supporting the qualified people we will require to trap and shoot them and giving sufficient support for other methods of control, such as contraceptives” (Politics Home, Zoe Crowther).

What are your thoughts?

Find out more about what to do if you find an injured grey squirrel here: https://www.helpwildlife.co.uk/advice/reuniting-baby-squirrels/

@bbcwildlifemagazine @defrauk @thetelegraph @wildlifeaid

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