Red squirrels have faced challenges for centuries, predating the introduction of Grey squirrels. They battled diseases long before Grey squirrels were associated with spreading them.
Both Red and Grey squirrels have endured relentless hunting by gamekeepers and foresters. They both exhibit similar behaviors like stripping bark in early summer and occasionally preying on eggs or chicks for food.
Historically, Red squirrels were extensively hunted in the New Forest up until the 1920s. In Scotland, one “squirrel club” eradicated over 80,000 squirrels between 1900 and 1930. This was a time when Red Squirrels were consider “pests” and a threat to forestry by Government.
While there was a time when we rescued, rehabilitated, and had licenses to release limited numbers of grey squirrels, all licenses have now been revoked by the government without reissue. It is currently illegal for us to provide treatment, keep them captive, or release grey squirrels into the wild. Some organizations retain licenses to care for animals that were already in captivity before the law changed.
Assisting a squirrel trapped in a building or chimney is not considered illegal if released on site. If unsure about releasing a grey squirrel, please seek advice from Natural England.
If you come across a sick or injured squirrel, please handle very carefully, ideally with a thick towel and get into a secure container. Then please take it to your local veterinary centre.
