©Amy Lewis
Grey squirrel
Scientific name: Sciurus carolinensis
The grey squirrel was introduced into the UK in the 1800s. 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.
Species information
Statistics
Length: 24-28.5cmTail: 19.5-24cm
Weight: 400-650g
Average lifespan: 2-5 years
Conservation status
The grey squirrel is classified as an invasive non-native species.
When to see
January to DecemberAbout
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. 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.How to identify
The grey squirrel has a silver-grey coat, with a brownish face and feet, and pale underside. It has a characteristically bushy tail. It is distinguished from the red squirrel by its larger size, grey fur, and smaller ears without tufts. However, grey squirrels can vary in colour, with some appearing slightly ginger.In our area
Squirrel pox has decimated our red squirrels
The non-native grey squirrel was introduced to England in the late 1870s from America and is the primary cause of decline of the red squirrel. It does so by out-competing red squirrels for food in deciduous and mixed woodlands and by transmitting a disease ‘squirrelpox’, the squirrel Parapoxvirus, which is lethal to red squirrels.
Surveys show conservation work by volunteers has kept red squirrel numbers stable across the north of England since 2012. Saving our native red squirrel is relentless and long term, can you help? Please click here to join others who are already supporting our work for Cumbria's wildlife & wildplaces including our red squirrel conservation work