The red squirrel has been native to our country for thousands of years, while the first gray were brought here in North America in 1876. Through the years they were introduced, including the Duke of Bedford Park Woburn Abbey where they thrived.
No doubt, the gray squirrel is very suitable for our fields and our cities; Some will say, to the detriment of the red squirrel, that it is only partially true. The direct conflict between the two species certainly seems incredible.
This is not so much a case of the gray red hunting squirrel, but rather a case of being better equipped and more adaptable. An important factor is the ability to survive very harsh winters due to the fact that normally gray carry more body fat. Although the difference in size between the two types of squirrel is not dramatic, a large gray may weigh almost twice as much as red.
Gray squirrels are also more adventurous and more satisfied with food on the ground, while red squirrels spend most of their life in high conifers, and their diet is less varied, although both species are generally vegetarian.
So why are gray squirrels still often considered pests, compared to their popular cousins?
In the 1920s and 1930s, gray squirrels began to cause significant damage to commercial forestry; Especially the beech wood. A law was passed in 1938 which prohibits the importation of these creatures and, in the following years, several methods have been unsuccessfully tried to control gray squirrels. Many people still call it "tree rats" but they are here to stay and give a lot of fun especially in parks and urban gardens where they become bold enough.
Huge colonies of the red squirrel population should be mentioned that between 1900-1920 they were eliminated by parapoxique virus, which is similar to myxomatosis in rabbits.
Not only that, but the red squirrels were hunted until 1927. In fact, there was even a Mountain Club squirrel dedicated to this "sport"! All types of hunting, disease and changes in forest management have contributed to the drastic reduction of the population, which has never been restored. The man must accept the blame for his part in his disappearance.
As many people have observed, gray squirrels are playful, curious, agile animals, and living proof that man can not always affirm his will in nature with poison and firearms. Farmers and foresters have learned to live with gray squirrels and start managing forests to encourage red squirrels, especially in north-west England
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