Grey Squirrels, Sciurus CarolinensisAlthough now a familiar sight across much of the UK, the grey squirrel is non-native, having been first introduced from Amercia in the late nineteenth century. It is largely blamed for the decline in populations of our native red squirrel (Sciurus Vulgaris) although in truth, this also has much to do with the disappearance of the red squirrels natural woodland habitat, as it does with competition.
The introduced species is larger than the red squirrel, with largely grey/ brown fur and a white belly. Grey squirrels are active during the day and are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, nuts, insects, bird eggs and increasingly adapting to match many of the foods that man may discard. Squirrels are well-known for their habit of hoarding food in autumn to see them through in the harsh winter months.
Breeding takes place in December to February, and again in March to May. The gestation period is typically between 6 - 7 weeks and on average two litters are produced each year, consisting of 1 - 8 young. The average lifespan is 8 - 9 years.
The introduced species is larger than the red squirrel, with largely grey/ brown fur and a white belly. Grey squirrels are active during the day and are omnivorous, feeding on seeds, nuts, insects, bird eggs and increasingly adapting to match many of the foods that man may discard. Squirrels are well-known for their habit of hoarding food in autumn to see them through in the harsh winter months.
Breeding takes place in December to February, and again in March to May. The gestation period is typically between 6 - 7 weeks and on average two litters are produced each year, consisting of 1 - 8 young. The average lifespan is 8 - 9 years.
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