Grey Squirrel

Scientific Name: Sciurus carolinensis

Family: Sciuridae

Appearance: Larger than the red squirrel, greys are coloured as their name suggests. White individuals are occasionally reported.

Body length: 42-55 cm Tail length: 19-25 cm

Weight: 400-600 g

Natural history: Grey squirrels are invasive in the UK, having been introduced from north America by the Victorians. Populations have spread from southern England and Edinburgh/Glasgow. Grey squirrels carry a parapox virus which they are resistant to, but which is lethal for native red squirrels. Consequently, greys have displaced reds from much of Britain. Grey eradication programs are essential to protect red squirrels at the edges of their ranges.