Releasing a trapped grey squirrel.....you learn something new every day.

[Gillstay]

In what way are they a pest in your view?

They are a pest in that they eat young birds, will take the roof of a bird box to do so, do terrible damage to Birch, Beech and Oak plantations to the tune of thousands of pounds. They also reduce feeding / nesting opportunities for other native animals by disruption.

 

[Webbo2]

They are a pest in that they eat young birds, will take the roof of a bird box to do so, do terrible damage to Birch, Beech and Oak plantations to the tune of thousands of pounds. They also reduce feeding / nesting opportunities for other native animals by disruption.

Would you consider Deer a pest as they destroy lots of young trees. They also gives us Limes disease.

 

[YMFB]

Please stop referring to them as GS, it’s confusing as you are discussing a grey squirrel not a BMW motorcycle.

People eat them in some countries including the US.

They might be pretty but they are thieves/destructive and invasive so are vermin.

 

[Webbo2]

Please stop referring to them as GS, it’s confusing as you are discussing a grey squirrel not a BMW motorcycle.

People eat them in some countries including the US.

They might be pretty but they are thieves/destructive and invasive so are vermin.

Chipmunks
Dogs
Cats
Badgers
Foxes
Wolves
Bears
Need I go on as most animals will steal food and break things.

 

[katiewlx]

In what way are they a pest in your view?

theyre primarily responsible for the loss of the native Red squirrels

 

[Webbo2]

theyre primarily responsible for the loss of the native Red squirrels

Which isn’t exactly their fault seeing as they weren’t camped out in Calais then coming across in small boats.🫣

 

[Ming the Merciless]

theyre primarily responsible for the loss of the native Red squirrels

And cats with regards to birds

 

[Cycling Badger]

Would you consider Deer a pest

Yes. They need to be culled to manage numbers.

People eat them in some countries including the US.

You can buy them over counter in select butchers in Scotland.
Hedgehogs are a pest on the isles of Uist, but I don’t think they‘re served in the local butchers.

While we‘re at it can we get rid of giant hogweed, knot weed and rhododendrons.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

They dig up by pots of spring bulbs, and stuff I plant in the ground too.
Pests for the gardeners, akin to slugs and snails

 

[Webbo2]

As I was trying to suggest above every animal is a pest to someone who doesn’t like them and that includes humans.

 

[Gillstay]

As I was trying to suggest above every animal is a pest to someone who doesn’t like them and that includes humans.

No, there are many creatures many people don't even know about. Also things like Dormice are rarely considered pests by anyone, but the majority of wood land owners consider grey squirrels to be problem.

 

[Jameshow]

And cats with regards to birds

Cats a definitely a pest! 🤣

 

[Mike_P]

Greys cause £37m damage / annum
https://naturalengland.blog.gov.uk/2026/04/14/england-red-squirrel-recovery-strategy/