The grey squirrel

The grey squirrel (Sciuru carolinensis) was introduced to this country from North America in the late 1800s.

Since its introduction the grey squirrel has spread throughout the country very successfully and has been blamed by many to have led to the decline of the native red squirrel population.

Squirrels live mainly in dreys (a nest made of twigs and leaves) in trees and will often feed on food put out for birds in people's gardens.

There are usually two lots of young squirrels born every year and each litter has three or four babies in it.

The more food the squirrels have access to the more likely it is that the squirrel population will grow until they can start becoming a serious pest.

Further information

Contact the Public Protection for further information.