Squirrels

Britain has a native squirrel, the Red Squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris,  which was fairly widespread until the introduction of the American Grey Squirrel Sciurus carolinensis at the turn of the 19th century.  The larger Grey Squirrel outcompeted the more timid Red Squirrel by being more aggressive, more omnivorous and probably more fecund.  So now the Red Squirrel, once widespread is relatively uncommon.  Because this invasion was so dramatic and extensive a number of "Squirrel Myths" have arisen:

1. Grey Squirrels give Red Squirrels the Pox (Squirrel Pox that is!).  Probably true but the science is probably not as conclusive as some might think it is.
2. Grey Squirrels have a terrible effect on indigenous woodland bird populations.  Not so apparently. A new survey by the British Trust for Ornithology concludes  "Grey squirrels do not have a significant impact on the populations of many of England's woodland bird species"
3. Red Squirrels are now extremely rare and secretive, surviving only on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour and in the remote Scottish Highlands.  Not so as the picture below taken from my study window in suburban Dunblane shows.

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