Grey Squirrel Habitat and Distribution
The grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) has been in the UK since the 1800s and can be found in almost every environment, including cities, as there are accessible food sources and habitats that can be exploited. Anywhere close to trees can hold a sustainable habitat; in towns and cities, they frequently live in parks and gardens, often moving into attics! They are highly adaptable creatures, and this has enabled them to colonise the majority of the UK.
Squirrels can live near humans. They breed throughout the spring and summer, producing litters of up to three or four young grey squirrels (kittens) per year.
Grey squirrels can carry a virus called squirrelpox, which can transmit to our native red squirrel (whose numbers are a lot less). The grey squirrel is immune to the disease, but the disease can be fatal for the red squirrel. The two species compete for food, so you rarely see the two in the same area.
You can spot grey squirrels quite easily in the UK; just visit your local woodland or park and you are likely to see one of these furry rodents scurrying across the ground in search of safety (from yourself). You might see one bolt up a tree out of your reach if you get too close. If food is left out they can even visit your garden. However, this poses a risk because they may just set up residence in your attic.
Grey squirrels are daytime rodents, continuously searching for food to store underground. They can use spatial memory to find nut caches buried in the ground. They can also memorise the best route up and down a tree for quick access to their nest.
Grey Squirrels can be a commercial pest for farmers. They can often visit farmland causing damage to property and scavenging crops such as seeds, fruits and corn.
If you are looking for squirrel eradication services, then telephone Eliminate Solutions on 0800 206 2679
Grey Squirrel Species Identification
This tree-climbing nut burier can often become problematic, causing expensive damage to your property. They are predominantly grey but may have red or brown patches around the face and legs. The grey squirrel is considerably more significant than the red squirrel weighing around 500g, with a length of 25 – 26.5cm to the base of the tail. The tail is large, approximately 22cm long and bushy. The grey squirrel’s fur is grey in appearance. The only species of the grey squirrel that can be easily confused within the UK is the highly protected red squirrel species.
Amongst their choice of delicacies are acorns, nuts, fruits and tree seeds. They will collect their food in the Autumn months and bury it underground. This will allow them to survive throughout the Winter when food is scarce. Grey squirrels also eat pine cones, flowers, buds and sometimes bird eggs.
If you are looking for squirrel removal services, then telephone Eliminate Solutions on 0800 206 2679