Appearance
Larger than the UK’s native red squirrel, grey squirrels have grey fur with touches of russet-brown and white underparts. Unlike the red squirrel, this species never has ear tufts, and the sexes are similar in appearance.
Life Cycle
Breeding takes place from December to January and again from May to June. If conditions are favourable, females reproduce 1 – 2 times a year producing 1 – 5 offspring per litter. The average lifespan of female grey squirrels is 4 – 6 years while their male counterparts have a shorter life expectancy of 2 – 3 years.
Habitat
A highly adaptable species, the grey squirrel prefers broadleaved woodlands usually occurring in conifer woodlands and urban areas such as gardens and parks – where mature trees are found.
It is important to note that it is a criminal offence to re-release a captured grey squirrel back into the wild as responsible pest and predator control is an integral part of conservation and wildlife management.
The Law
Did you know it is against the law to catch and release a grey squirrel under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.
For more information click on the link below
