Grey Squirrel.

Latin Name: Sciurus Carolinensis
Common Name: Eastern Grey Squirrel

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Identification

Origination

Invasive Species

Introduction.

The Grey Squirrel is an invasive species that is small but harmful. They are considered to be a pest that is know to be everywhere, has no predation, and removes important native species.

The Grey Squirrel is an invasive species that is small but harmful. They are considered to be a pest that is know to be everywhere, has no predation, and removes important native species.

Identification.

Dark and pale grey bodies with a brush of cinnamon on their head, feet, and tail. 

Quick Facts

01. There is no difference in male or female characteristics. They both have similar features.

02. Generally , females will produce 2 litters a year consisting 2 to 8 young. Young's reach maturity in 10-12 months and live about 9 years.

03. Food Source: Seeds, flowers, fruits, gungi, tree buds, some insects, and occasionally bird eggs.

04. In the wild, grey squirrels can be found in large areas of woodland ecosystems. Near human settlements, they can be found in large parks and your backyard.  

05.  K-Selected Species

  • Long Life Span
  • Slow Growth
  • Late Maturity
  • Predators
  • Adapat to Stable Environment

Origination.

Is native to Eastern & Western U.S. and parts of Canada.

An Invasive Species.

Invasion in England

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InvasionGrey Squirrels invaded England sometime in the early 1900's. How they got there is unknown, but is suspected that 15 squirrels escaped from captivity and into the wild of England.

Red SquirrelsIn England, the grey squirrels do not have a natural predation. It has allowed the grey squirrel population to grow at an exponential rate and over thrown the red squirrel population that is native to England. 

DiseaseGrey Squirrels carries a pox virus that killed thousands of Red squirrels. It does not effective to the grey squirrels but is extremely contagious to the red squirrels.  

 

Threats

  • Stripping bark from trees, compramising it to diseases.
  • Destructive to property by ripping up landscape and agriculture.  

 

Last Seen

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Currently ResidingCurrently inhabits Western & Eastern parts of the US, Canada and in Europe, including Ireland, Italy, and England. The adapt easily to different environments as long as their are trees within their habitat. 

Currently ResidingGrey Squirrel are seen everywhere. Their population has grown exponentially and their habitat has moved all across the US along with other countries in Europe. Their species is continuing to spread.

a New Controlled habitat

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Control the PopulationEngland has offered money for the tails of Grey Squirrels. It seems like an extreme plan but an option. It is not the goal to dimish the population because the species is needed but the goal is to minimize the population and bring back Englands native species, the Red Squirrels. 

Increase Red Squirrels PopulationThe Red Squirrel population needs to be re-introduced to Britian to minimize grey quirrels without becoming affected with the Pox-Virus. The Red Squirrel population can grow in captivity before being released into the wild in an effort to allow the population to live. The Red Squirels would need to be released in a habitat that is intact with all the necesities they need to strive. It will reduce the grey squirrel population and stop the destruction they are creating. 

Bibliography

01. "Controlling the Grey Squirrel Population." DAERA, 10 Aug. 2018, www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/controlling-grey-squirrel-population.

02.  "Species - Grey Squirrel." The Mammal Society, www.mammal.org.uk/species-hub/full - species-hub/discover-mammals/species-grey-squirrel/.

03. Lawniczak, Mara Katharine. "Sciurus Carolinensis (Eastern Gray Squirrel)." ADW: Rhinoceros:CLASSIFICATION, animaldiversity.org/accounts/Sciurus_carolinensis/