Botanic

Grey Squirrel – Botanic Gardens

Image by infomatique
Control Method: In Italy, the government offers rewards for Grey Squirrel tails. However, elimination of individuals will not ensure control of the prolific Grey Squirrel. Planting more conifer trees is one method to favor Red Squirrels over Greys, although it appears that the Greys will adapt to most forest situations. Special food hoppers, which allow feeding by the lighter Red squirrel but not the Grey squirrel, can help to tip the balance in favor of red squirrels. Finally, captive breeding of Red Squirrels might help the re-introduction of the Reds to areas where the Greys are not as prevalent. Most environmentalists agree that Red Squirrels should not be re-introduced to areas dominated by the Grey Squirrel, as they will likely fail.