Top 10 Most Unwanted

American Grey Squirrel

(Sciurus Carolinensis)

Habitat

Terrestrial, the species preferred habitat is mature woodlands however they are widespread through urban and rural areas.

Threat

The grey squirrel is a direct threat to the native red squirrel and the forestry industry.

Status

Present in the majority of the Republic and all of Northern Ireland, however it is not present to the West of the Shannon. Sciurus Carolinensis has been known to cross at bridges in other parts of the country.

What does it look like?

It has a distinctive long bushy tail and characteristic short front legs. The majority of specimens display ‘chestnut’ markings on their paws, hips and face, which can lead to misidentification. In winter the species displays a thick winter grey/silver coat on the upper side of the body with a white under side. The Grey Squirrel is notably larger than its native counterpart.

Impact:

Out competes the native red squirrel species in deciduous forests. The Grey Squirrel is a known vector of the parapox virus that is fatal to the red squirrel. Direct competition with the red squirrel, in England and Wales this had led to the extinction of the red squirrel. The grey squirrel is also potentially an economic hazard, as it is known to strip the bark from trees in times of food scarcity. This has potential implications for the forestry industry.

Where is it originally from?

Introduced from England into Ireland at Castle Forbes, County Longford in 1911 (Watt, 1923), where six pairs were released for aesthetic reasons. Sciurus Carolinensis is originally from North America.

What can you do?

Report sightings