Squirrel

Loved and hated in equal measure, the alien grey squirrel is now firmly established throughout most of Britain. Loved because it is cute and cuddly looking. Hated because it has been largely instrumental in driving our own native red squirrel to the edge of extinction; predates bird nests eating eggs and young; causes considerable damage to native woodland through stripping bark; gains access to loft spaces in homes and subsequently damages electrical cables and water pipes causing house fires and flooding; competes for food with our native and endangered dormouse; need I go on? Best controlled with live catch cage traps.

Where are they found?

Grey Squirrels are widespread throughout all but half a dozen areas in England where they are eliminated on sight in order to try and safeguard those last remaining retreats of the Red Squirrel.

Habitat:

Grey Squirrels are woodland animals prefering to live and nest in high trees.
They prefer deciduous woodland to coniferous woodland
they construct nests called 'dreys' high up in the tree canopy
these dreys are made from twigs, leaves and moss
in recent times they have taken to living in the lofts of houses - perhaps because of increasing competition for suitable nest spaces

Habits:

Squirrels are partial to food put out in gardens for songbirds, they particularly enjoy peanuts
They store nuts in the ground in the autumn, but those nuts are frequently found and eaten by badgers
They do not hibernate over winter, but may be less active when weather conditions are bad.
Grey squirrels eat seeds, buds, flowers, shoots, nuts, berries and fruit from many trees and shrubs.
They also eat birds’ eggs and fledglings.