Grey squirrels are not a native species of the UK and were introduced from the USA in the late nineteenth/early twentieth century.  First recorded in Britain in the 1820's, but not thought to have been released into the wild until 1876. Their success has been to the detriment of our native red squirrels.

Identification

Grey squirrels are distinguished from red squirrels by their grey fur, smaller ear tufts and their larger, more robust build. They are frequently found with patches of reddish-brown coloured fur, there have also been some reported sightings in the UK of black squirrels one being spotted in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. They moult twice a year, once after winter and then late in summer before it gets colder again. They have four fingers and five toes and can be left or right handed. Grey squirrels sit with their large bushy tail arched over the back, it is thought that the tail also helps with their balance and steer when jumping from tree to tree and running along branches and may keep the animal warm during sleep.

Life span  - Up to 9 years.

Statistics - Head and body length: 23-30 cm, Tail length: 19-25cm, Weight (adult): 400-600g.