Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are constantly vilified for their adverse effect on the local environment here in Britain because they are not native creatures. Their ancestors were North American immigrants, first introduced to the British Isles in the late 1870s by local landowners who considered them ‘exotic’ (what were they thinking?). Not only did the Greys bring with them the squirrelpox virus (SQPV), which doesn’t harm them but kills the native Red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), the Greys also compete with the Reds for food. And as the Greys have a broader food range – they’re able to eat nuts with high tannin contents, like acorns, which the Reds cannot digest – they have a better chance of survival when winters are hard and food resources scarce.
Luckily, there are plenty of folks out there trying to save the Reds – and you can too, by supporting organisations like the Red Squirrel Survival Trust http://rsst.org.uk/ Let’s hope they’re successful in their efforts as I’d hate to see the locals overcome by the brash interlopers from across the Atlantic.
All that being said, there is something incredibly cute about Grey squirrels, about the way they sit back on their hind legs, nibbling on the nuts they’re clutching in their front paws. There’s something about those big doe eyes, and the way they quiver and shake their bushy tails. Though I understand all the arguments against them I can’t help but enjoy their antics.
theresagreen said:
An interesting topic and cute images. Whatever we feel about them and however unwanted they may be made to feel, often Grey Squirrels are the only wild mammal a lot of people ever see. As you say they are cute in many ways and entertaining too, but also highly destructive as introduced species with no natural predator often are. Btw – great minds think alike once again – I’ve got my own post ‘cooking’ on this same subject!
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sconzani said:
I shall look forward to reading your thoughts on the topic, Theresa!
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laura lecce said:
I totally agree with and love that you posted this. Firstly for bringing to light the destruction that introduced species can have on native animals. Secondly, because even though introduced species can outcompete the natives, these squirrels are just unknowingly doing what they can to live. Thirdly, regardless of the variety, all squirrels are incredibly cute!
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sconzani said:
So glad you agree, Laura, and thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. 🙂
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belindagroverphotography said:
What an expression on the first one😊 Too bad they have such a bed rep. Great shots.
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sconzani said:
Thanks, Belinda. They have the ‘poor me’ expression down pat!
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susurrus said:
I’ve got pretty much the same mixed feelings. The grey ones live in such great numbers in my sweetheart’s neighbourhood that they are a mixed blessing. The squirrel-proof bird feeder he bought attracted more of them in, so it only lasted a day. They are cute and well-fed though, like this one.
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sconzani said:
They do seem to be very clever at getting past supposed squirrel-proofing, don’t they? Good to know I’m not the only one with mixed feelings.
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susurrus said:
They skipped past the squirrel-proofing as if it was just an extra bit of fun – like we were making a pleasure beach for squirrels.
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sconzani said:
Hehe, I can just imagine. 🙂
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