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Northern
Red Squirrels Controlling Greys |
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| The grey
squirrel was introduced from North America in the mid
nineteenth century. It is a very resourceful and
adaptable animal that now inhabits many parts of the UK
often displacing the native red. There are two main causes of the displacement. Firstly, the grey is larger, stronger than the red, a more prolific breeder and eats approximately eight times as much food. Secondly, it carries the squirrel pox virus which has little effect on itself but when passed to the red, results in a painful death. Hence, if red squirrels are to be preserved in our region, it is important that suitable areas are kept grey free. Unfortunately, this can only be achieved by culling. The Red Squirrel Protection Partnership (RSPP), which is one of the funded bodies, has been very successful in controlling grey squirrels since the beginning of 2007. Many of the volunteer groups are also active in trapping grey squirrels. Their efforts have almost certainly prevented red squirrels from becoming extinct in a number of areas of Northumberland. Although the primary aim of those funded bodies and volunteer groups that are involved in grey squirrel control is to safeguard the future of the red, there are other potential benefits. Grey squirrels can have an impact on the bird population by raiding nests during breeding season. They also damage trees by stripping them of bark. The law also recognises the risk of the grey squirrel continuing to increase in numbers and expand its territory. It is, in fact, illegal to release a captive grey squirrelback into the wild and and doing so can result in a hefty fine. If you wish to find out more about the grey squirrel, the following articles which are just a few of many that have been published, will provide interesting reading. Facts About Grey Squirrels - By Peoples Trust for the Environment Management of Grey Squirrels - By Forestry Research, the research agency of the Forestry Commission U.K. Red Squirrel Drop: Are Gray Squirrels to Blame? - From National Geographic News |
Trapping Guidance If you have reported a grey squirrel in an area normally occupied by reds and have agreed to try and trap it, you will normally be provided with the trap and guidelines. Guidelines are also available by clicking here. Grey Sightings |