Grey squirrel
The grey squirrel was introduced into the UK in the 1800's. It provides an easy encounter with wildlife for many people, but can be damaging to woodlands and has contributed to the decline of the red squirrel.
One of our most familiar mammals, the grey squirrel can be found in woods, gardens and parks across town and country, and often proves to be very tame. It is a frequent visitor to gardens with bird tables and feeders, becoming a pest for many bird-lovers. Grey squirrels feast on hazelnuts by cracking the shell in half. You may also find pine cones that have been nibbled, leaving what looks like an apple core behind. They will cache their food in autumn if it is abundant. Grey squirrels make a rough nest, called a 'drey' out of twigs, leaves and strips of bark in the fork of a branch, high up in the tree canopy. Females may have two litters of three to four young a year. The average lifespan of a grey squirrel 2 to 5 years
Grey squirrel's have a silver-grey coat, with a brownish face and feet, and pale underside. It has a characteristically bushy tail. It is easily distinguished from the red squirrel by its larger size, grey fur, and smaller ears without tufts.
The conservation status of the grey squirrel is classified as an invasive non-native species.
Length: 9.5 to 11.25 in. (24 to 28.5 cm)
Tail: 7.7 to 9.5 in. (19.5 to 24 cm)
Weight: 14 to 22.9 oz. (400 to 650 g)
Grey squirrel
The grey squirrel was introduced into the UK in the 1800's. It provides an easy encounter with wildlife for many people, but can be damaging to woodlands and has contributed to the decline of the red squirrel.
One of our most familiar mammals, the grey squirrel can be found in woods, gardens and parks across town and country, and often proves to be very tame. It is a frequent visitor to gardens with bird tables and feeders, becoming a pest for many bird-lovers. Grey squirrels feast on hazelnuts by cracking the shell in half. You may also find pine cones that have been nibbled, leaving what looks like an apple core behind. They will cache their food in autumn if it is abundant. Grey squirrels make a rough nest, called a 'drey' out of twigs, leaves and strips of bark in the fork of a branch, high up in the tree canopy. Females may have two litters of three to four young a year. The average lifespan of a grey squirrel 2 to 5 years
Grey squirrel's have a silver-grey coat, with a brownish face and feet, and pale underside. It has a characteristically bushy tail. It is easily distinguished from the red squirrel by its larger size, grey fur, and smaller ears without tufts.
The conservation status of the grey squirrel is classified as an invasive non-native species.
Length: 9.5 to 11.25 in. (24 to 28.5 cm)
Tail: 7.7 to 9.5 in. (19.5 to 24 cm)
Weight: 14 to 22.9 oz. (400 to 650 g)