Do you think Grey squirrels are pests?

Question

As you are probably aware, Grey squirrels have driven out red squirrels from there natural territory. Many people think they are pests because there are so many but so little red squirrels. But perhaps it isn't really the Grey squirrels fault because it was the london zoological socitety and some other place i forgot! That actually introduced them to England therefore are smaller red squirrels had to find new uncharted territory from the grey squirrels. I don't think they are but that might have something to do with me loving all animals! Do you think they are pests?

Answer 1

I have a different perspective. I live in the northeastern US where grey squirrels come from. You don't want them to get into your attic, but generally they are very unobtrusive. They don't kill other animals. I like watching them in the mornings. Always so busy!

But the cats and other introduced animals, and the development of the land, have taken their toll.

I know in England that the grey squirrels are the invaders. No, it's not their fault. But I hope the native population can be preserved there too.

Humans messed it up, again!

Answer 2

In their natural habitat (america) they are ok, but they really are pests in England. No, I agree that it's not their fault as they didn't hop on a ship and sail over themselves, but I do believe that they are out of control. It is more important at this point to ensure the survival of the endangered Red Squirrel as a species, than to defend the individual rights of the Grey Squirrel, no matter how cute they may be.

Answer 3

No, in fact they really didnt drive out Red squirrels... Humans did. The reason being that we created an environment in our cities more suitable to grey squirrels and far less suitable to red squirrels. In towns and cities most people cut down pine and spruce trees(citing thier messiness in dropping cones as a reason) which are a main source of food for red squirrels and introduced more deciduous trees many of which are main sources of food for grey squirrels. Humans are the ones who are causing the problem with grey squirrels by catering more to thier habitat than the red squirrel. Where I live, in the midst of mainly coniferous forests we have far more red squirrels and the few grey squirrels we have ONLY live in the town and cannot survive in the wilderness. The reason for this in my area is because of the extensive logging.... Almost all hard woods and deciduous trees have been harvested, and instead of replanting the same trees which were logged, they replant fast growing conifers because they will be able to harvest them again sooner. This creates perfect habitat for red squirrels and less than suitable habitat for grey squirrels. There simply is not enough deciduous trees in the forest to support more grey squirrels only in town where people plant such trees during landscaping.

So in all truth, it is humans which created a unique situation which allows grey squirrels to thrive where they normally cannot and has nothing to do with grey squirrels being pests.... they are simply opportunistic and will expand thier range to any suitable habitat. If people want to help increase the red squirrels former range they should stop planting deciduous trees and start planting coniferous ones.

Answer 4

Squirrel Stew,mmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Answer 5

The gray squirrels are not pests. Granted, there are more of them than the red squirrels, but it's the red ones that are aggressive pests!

Answer 6

I bet all the squirrels would agree that
We humans are the real pests

Answer 7

grey squirrels do nothing to advance our understanding of science and math

Answer 8

I'd never think that! Some folk do becuse like all squiruirls they are always getting into trouble. Black ones are shyer and red ones are normal.

Answer 9

Yes
There should be an international effort to eliminate all introduced species everywhere no matter how 'normal' they are now.

Answer 10

We have black squirells where I live and they act the same as any other squirrel...