Do squirrels hibernate uk11/7/2023 In the UK the grey squirrel has few natural predators as they are generally too fast for domestic dogs to catch although some domestic cats have been known to catch and kill them. In the UK it is illegal (Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981) to release or allow any grey squirrel that is trapped, it is required the animal should be humanly destroyed. Finally the red squirrel is more vulnerable to the destruction of their habitat than the more adaptable grey. The greys also often carry a pox virus which they are somewhat resistant to while the red squirrel population has a high mortality rate from this virus. This is due to a wide variety of factors with the greys generally being a much more robust species, being stronger, larger and able to store more fat for winter, being able to feed on acorns earlier than red squirrels and being able to feed on a wider range of foods. The main impact has been displacement of the indigenous red squirrel population. Elsewhere in Europe the grey squirrel has been introduced to Italy raising concerns that it will displace red squirrels in mainland Europe. They have spread to Ireland but spread has been slow as introduction was in a single area and containment projects have been successful. In the UK (introduced from America at the end of 19th century) the grey spread rapidly becoming the dominant species in England and Wales with some pockets in Scotland. In South Africa they are an introduced species but are not a threat to local species as they have a very limited range being found only in a small part of the Western Cape where they feed on introduced pine trees and some commercial fruit but are unable to eat indigenous flora which has prevented spread. They can also be found in North West USA as far south as California. In the USA they can be found in the Eastern US and also in south east Canada in the north to Florida in the south. Grey Squirrels favour large woodlands with dense tree cover but are adaptable and can be found in the trees of urban parks and other urban areas. An adult can live to 20 years old but general life expectancy is about 12 years. Adults become sexually active by 5 ½ months old but are normally 1 year old before they produce their first litter. The young are born blind but are weaned at 7 weeks and leave the drey after 10 weeks. Litters are normally up to 6 but can be higher, with the first litter being born around late February and the second in late June. Greys can breed twice a year, normally December to February and then again in May to June although the later breeding season can be later in colder areas or years. Grey Squirrels do not hibernate and are normally active at dawn and dusk to help avoid predators. The nest they build is normally in the fork of a tree made of dry leaves and twigs, this is known as a drey, dreys have been found in lofts and outside walls of houses. They are one of the few mammals that descend a tree head first as they are able to turn their back feet so that the claws are able to grip backwards. The animal is larger and heaver than the native British red Squirrel being about 30cm long in body with a tail of up to 25cm, an adult weighing up to 600grams. The Black coloured (melanistic) can become dominate in some populations especially in areas of Canada and more recently in southern UK (2008). White and black coloured examples are found more often in urban areas (such distinct animals are prone to predators in rural settings). Its name is derived from its grey colour (although variations due occur) and in the United States where it is a native species it is also known as the Eastern Grey Squirrel having the name carolinensis as the Carolinas is the area in which the species was first identified. The grey squirrel is a common sight in most areas of the UK but is not a native animal.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply.AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |