The American Gray Squirrel

I didn't know they were called American grey squirrels. lol We ahve the same problem with those little rascals here in the states. I remember a time when we had plenty of cute little red squirrels running around but I hardly see them anymore. The grey squirrels have taken over and run off the red ones. Why would anyone introduce them to England anyway? I really don't know how it should be handled. I guess they're there to stay. Damn Yankees! lol

I was born and bred in England and in my entire twenty-three years of living I have NEVER seen a red squirrel (not including TV and pictures, obviously). I am very familiar with grey squirrels though, and I absolutely adore them. You'll find them in most parks and gardens here. When I was growing up we'd have grey squirrels come into our back garden and take food right out of my hand. I still get very excited when I see one though. Apparently you can eat grey squirrels, but the red ones taste yucky. Some see this as a good thing, since eating the greys would get rid of them and make way for the reds to thrive again. The Isle of Wight is the only place in the United Kingdom where you won't find squirrels. It seems they didn't manage to make it that far.

It is never never never a good idea to introduce a new species or what biologists call an invasive species to an area. Usually since the constraints found in their natural habitat are missing (i.e. other competeting species or natural predators. Therefore their population can explode and be detrimental to natural populations. Other examples of invasive species includes Kudzu in the south, zebra mussels in the great lakes, Japanese honeysuckle, Salt cedar (has been really detrimental to the Mojave Desert replacing the natural cottonwood species on which birds are dependent on for nesting). And Australia has had a heck of a time with invasive species like cane toads, rabbits and cats. Here is an article on Supercats (Savannah Cats) which pose to be the next problem in Australia. http://www.neatorama.com/2008/06/14/next-to-invade-australia-supercats/ Getting rid of the invasive species would be the best possible solution but sometimes they introduce one species to get rid of another--Cane toads are an example. I think trapping as many grey squirrels as possible and perhaps start a breeding program for the red squirrels might be a good answer to the situation. Its always hard to remove an invasive species once it has taken hold. btw just because an organism was introduced on purpose doesn't make it any less an invasive species. Cane toads were introduced on purpose and they are considered to be quite the pesky invasive species.

LOL--maybe the overpopulation of the American Gray Squirrel is getting even with England for introducing the house sparrows, pigeons and starlings....did you know that they aren't indigenous to this country but were also introduced to us around the late 1800s??-those three birds aren't protected precisely due to their not being originally from this country. It's a shame though that the squirrels are being trapped and killed..even though some consider squirrels as glorified rats with bushy tails I happen to like them. We have our own problems here as well,...not with squirrels but the large pigeon population...I suppose you've no doubt heard of the yearly pigeon hunts they have usually in the PA area..were thousands of pigeons are killed off. I guess way back when, no one thought of the problems it would cause to introduce species of animals to places where they didn't origniate

Grey squirrels can be seen in every park and in most gardens and woodlands of England. The red squirrel can only be found in a few small woodland locations. It is not just that the Aemrican squirrels are more aggressive than the native red ones, but the natural habitat of the red squirrel has been much reduced too. I have seen red squirrels. They are smaller and much more shy than the grey ones. I don't know why the greys were introduced, maybe for food or as pets. Some people kill them, cook them and eat them!

I am one that is against the introduction of wildlife into another area for the most part. I think it can have bad side effects for both the wildlife and the people life. What to do about it? Well I would suggest setting traps and using them to feed the homeless. I used to eat squirrel growing up and the taste isn't bad. That would kill two birds with one stone.

I think it's what happens when you start messing with nature. We, as humans, are way too quick to both rid the world of it's natural resources and life, while just as quick to try to change it.

What's fair is fair. English invaded the American Indians only fair that their squirrels invade England.

An exodus of course. The English should round up All the gray squirrels and put them on a ship back to North America.That way the red squirrel can be revived.

I saw the same story, I love that Sunday Morning show ,it is one of the few shows I have to watch every week. I had to giggle just abit when I foundout they were imported over, some english man just had to have them there as well. I suppose they will have to keep doing what they are, hunting them down. It is too bad though, those little Red squirrels are so cute. Would be shame if they couldnt control the grey squirrel to the point they loose the cute red squirrel.