Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

Grey squirrels are a species of rodent and are essentially herbivores, preferring to eat seeds and nuts. Acorns are especially favoured. They find food primarily using sight and smell and at times of abundance will hoard and bury nuts.

Squirrels are territorial animals and both males and females will mark out an area of about 2km by spraying urine on trees and by stripping bark. They do tolerate their near neighbour's, however, which is why two and sometimes three squirrels will be seen together. In densely populated urban areas, territories may be as small as one or two back gardens.

There are two breeding seasons. The normal season is June to August, when 3-4 young are produced after a six week gestation. Some females, however, will not produce a litter until January to March, depending on conditions.

Grey Squirrels are an imported species and are a pest species unlike the closely related Red Squirrel which is a protected species.

Successful control of squirrels requires a close understanding of the pest species, it's biology, lifestyle and habits.