Squirrel Problems in S11

[Hayley1 10]

It is an offence under section 14 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) to introduce and release grey squirrels into the wild.  Therefore if you trap them you cannot then release them elsewhere. 

They cause damage to trees by stripping the bark off, take eggs and chicks from nests and cause havoc in the garden, and if they get in your loft.  We tried all sorts to deter them and in the end had to put my spring bulbs in pots with chickenwire just beneath the top layer of compost/grit, and sprinkled chilli powder on the bird seed (birds can't taste it but it certainly helps dissuade squirrels). 

[Mossway 15]

In practice the RSPCA etc do not prosecute people for ‘relocating’ trapped squirrels, so if you are disinclined to drown a trapped squirrel, then releasing it a few miles away is unlikely to result in a prosecution.

[Holiday1166 10]

Nothing wrong with them 

[dnbraver1 10]

has anyone noticed the increase in human beings recently. destroying the earth, millions of cars on the road, draining resources! I would rather have squirrels than selfish people who have loads of kids and destroy the planet!

[ANGELFIRE1 10]

Grey squirrels need eliminating, if you wish to see our native Red squirrel population survive. 

 

Squirrel Pox Virus

The Squirrel Pox Virus ( Parapoxvirus) is usually fatal to red squirrels. Grey squirrels are carriers of the infection and can spread the disease to red squirrels. Greys have developed immunity to the disease having been exposed to the virus for many years.

In sharp contrast, the mortality rate for untreated infected red squirrels in the wild appears to be 100%, most dying within 15 days of being infected. If caught early enough a vet may be able to treat the squirrel but success is rare.

 

Angel1.

[Hogg 10]

Sad to see a few dead squirrels on Whitley Wood Road - squashed, no doubt, by the enormous 'Sports' Utility Vehicles that are so popular on our narrow lanes.  The intrepid drivers having perhaps driven many miles cross country in the snow.

[Guest makapaka]

3 hours ago, ANGELFIRE1 said:

Grey squirrels need eliminating, if you wish to see our native Red squirrel population survive. 

 

Squirrel Pox Virus

The Squirrel Pox Virus ( Parapoxvirus) is usually fatal to red squirrels. Grey squirrels are carriers of the infection and can spread the disease to red squirrels. Greys have developed immunity to the disease having been exposed to the virus for many years.

In sharp contrast, the mortality rate for untreated infected red squirrels in the wild appears to be 100%, most dying within 15 days of being infected. If caught early enough a vet may be able to treat the squirrel but success is rare.

 

Angel1.

Why do you want to eliminate grey squirrels so the red squirrels can survive - do you just prefer a particular colour?

[Holiday1166 10]

10 hours ago, Hogg said:

Sad to see a few dead squirrels on Whitley Wood Road - squashed, no doubt, by the enormous 'Sports' Utility Vehicles that are so popular on our narrow lanes.  The intrepid drivers having perhaps driven many miles cross country in the snow.

Yes the snow run was before the school run 

[ANGELFIRE1 10]

11 hours ago, makapaka said:

Why do you want to eliminate grey squirrels so the red squirrels can survive - do you just prefer a particular colour?

Easy answer, because the Red is the indigenous squirrel, the Grey is not, Grey squirrels were imported to the UK.  

 

"The Grey squirrel is regarded as a pest species and is afforded no protection under the WCA. Under Schedule 9 of the WCA, it is illegal to release a grey squirrel into the wild, or allow one to escape. This means if you trap one, you are obliged to humanely dispatch it."

 

Angel1.

[ANGELFIRE1 10]

13 hours ago, Hogg said:

Sad to see a few dead squirrels on Whitley Wood Road - squashed, no doubt, by the enormous 'Sports' Utility Vehicles that are so popular on our narrow lanes.  The intrepid drivers having perhaps driven many miles cross country in the snow.

Let me reassure you, the smallest vehicle on our roads, or even a push bike will kill a squirrel if driven over it, the enormous " 'Sports' Utility Vehicle you refer to will simply squash it more because it is heavier. Dead is dead,  whether it is flat,  slightly thicker or just crushed by a cycle tyre.

 

Angel1.

[Guest makapaka]

1 hour ago, ANGELFIRE1 said:

Easy answer, because the Red is the indigenous squirrel, the Grey is not, Grey squirrels were imported to the UK.  

 

"The Grey squirrel is regarded as a pest species and is afforded no protection under the WCA. Under Schedule 9 of the WCA, it is illegal to release a grey squirrel into the wild, or allow one to escape. This means if you trap one, you are obliged to humanely dispatch it."

 

Angel1.

Why does it matter if the red squirrel is indigenous - does that make it a superior mammal to the grey squirrel?

[ANGELFIRE1 10]

9 minutes ago, makapaka said:

Why does it matter if the red squirrel is indigenous - does that make it a superior mammal to the grey squirrel?

Only in the sense that the "imported" Grey is killing off the native Red. That is why the Grey are able to be killed, while the Red are protected. It is quite easy to understand, how come you do not or cannot grasp the situation.

 

Angel1.