Grey squirrels are a familiar sight in parks and gardens across the UK, but not everyone is a fan. In fact, they’re often blamed for pushing out native red squirrels and damaging local ecosystems. But how did they get here, and is the hostility really justified?
This blog post takes a closer look at where grey squirrels came from, why they’re considered a problem, and whether their bad reputation holds up under scrutiny. We’ll also look at efforts to manage squirrel populations and how to make your garden a friendlier place for all wildlife.
What’s wrong with grey squirrels?
They might look cute and cuddly, but grey squirrels are actively harmful to British wildlife and the countryside generally. Here’s why.
How did grey squirrels get to the UK?
Grey squirrels were introduced to the UK from North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries; they’re a classic case of a successful invasive species.
At the time, people didn’t anticipate the long-term ecological impact of introducing flora and fauna from elsewhere to an environment. The greys adapted quickly and spread across the country, often at the expense of native wildlife. Unlike red squirrels, which had already been in decline, greys thrived in both rural and urban settings which only grew for the hundred years or so after their introduction.
And if you’re wondering “Why were grey squirrels introduced to the UK in the first place?”, it’s the same reason the Victorians introduced Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam – they were ornamental additions to estates and parks. If only they’d known!
Are grey squirrels vermin?
Grey squirrels are often accused of being aggressive competitors, and truth be told, they are. They famously outcompete red squirrels for food and habitat, especially in deciduous woodlands. What’s even worse is that they also carry squirrelpox virus, which is harmless to them but deadly to reds.
Beyond their effect on reds, greys also predate bird nests and consume large amounts of nuts and seeds, affecting other wildlife that rely on the same resources. They even strip bark from trees, which can damage or kill young trees and affect forest health (although this is also true of reds).
While some of the animosity is emotional, linked to the idea of greys being "invaders", much of it is rooted in these real and measurable ecological impacts. This has led to control measures in certain areas, especially where red squirrel populations still exist.
Do grey squirrels kill red squirrels?
Greys don’t directly kill reds, they just outcompete them. Habitat loss, changes in forestry practices, and competition from grey squirrels have all played a role in the decline of reds; so it’s not just greys, but they certainly haven’t helped.
Today, red squirrels survive mostly in isolated pockets like parts of Scotland, Northern England, and some islands, often where greys are actively excluded. Conservation efforts are ongoing, but the red squirrel is still struggling.
Do red squirrels kill grey squirrels?
Red squirrels don’t kill grey squirrels. While reds are territorial, they lack the size and strength to harm greys.
In theory, grey and red squirrels could share space if food was abundant and squirrelpox weren’t an issue, but that’s rarely the case. Greys are more adaptable, better at digesting acorns, and dominate in mixed woodlands. Reds do prefer coniferous forests, where greys are less efficient, so some coexistence is possible there, but these areas are increasingly fewer and further between.
In areas where reds survive, greys are often actively removed to reduce competition and disease transmission. Coexistence is more a matter of managed separation than natural balance. Without human intervention, greys tend to dominate – so in short, it’s our mess, and we have to clean it up.
What’s being done about grey squirrels today?
A range of measures are in place to manage grey squirrel populations, especially in areas where red squirrels still exist. Conservation organisations and local volunteers monitor populations, carry out humane trapping, and use squirrelpox vaccination trials where feasible. Tree planting schemes sometimes favour conifers to give reds an edge.
In some regions, greys are culled under license to protect biodiversity. This is understandably a bit of a hot button issue; many people enjoy seeing greys in urban areas, while others support stronger control measures. Grey squirrels didn’t choose to come here, and they’re not malicious. They’re simply animals doing what animals do, surviving and thriving in a new environment. While their impact on red squirrels and woodlands is real, it’s also true that they’ve become part of everyday life for many Brits.
Create a garden for squirrels with Green Feathers
Whether you’re a fan of reds, greys, or both, you can create a space where squirrels and other wildlife can thrive. At Green Feathers, we offer wildlife-friendly hand-built wooden nest boxes and garden cameras that help you connect with nature while supporting it. Our squirrel feeders are designed to stand up to curious paws and keep your garden visits entertaining and safe. Explore our range to find ways to welcome wildlife into your space!
