Topic: Grey Squirrels

[Blue Bird]

Are they now classed as vermin and it is ok to dispose of them ?????????

[Tiercel]

Grey Squirrels have always been classed as vermin. Getting rid of them is another story though. There are a number of ways to do "The Deed" but in an allotment scenario where there are houses and prying eyes everywhere. Trapping with a baited cage trap has to be the best option. Once caught you must dispose of the animal humanly. Or you could just take it for a long drive and release it.

[Rose.mary]

I have just bought a squirrel trap.  ;D My intention is to release them in a wood far away (if I catch any)
I set it and when I went to the allotment the next day I could see something brown and very still. :o I finally plucked up courage to go nearer and discovered a hedgehog well and truly alive, and have released it in the hedge round my garden.

Rosemary

[valmarg]

I agree grey squirrels are vermin.

Tiercel and Rose.mary, if you use a humane trap to catch the squirrels, they must be despatched (killed) where caught.

Your intention of trapping and transporting elsewhere is illegal.

The grey squirrel is a territorial animal, so if you do trap and transport elsewhere, you are probably sentencing it do death anyway, as the 'local' squirrel will kill it.

They may look sweet, but they are vile.

valmarg

[ACE]

We are lucky over here, no greys just the nice red ones and they are a protected species.

[Blue Bird]

Thanks for the info - will take your advise Tiercel and see how i get on

other quick question - can them swim ????!!!!!

[Tiercel]

other quick question - can them swim ????!!!!!

Not really sure  ??? Should imagine so though. But please do not think of drowning them in the cage. That is not classed as humane. The way the Forrester's do it in the New Forrest is when they have a Squirrel in a trap they tip it out into a Hessian sack then one quick knock on the head and the squirrel is humanly despatched. One word of advice do not put you hands near one as they can inflict a severe bite.  :'(

[Jeannine]

Yes they can swim, I have seen them on  the floating log booms  in BC  and then jump off and swim to the bank. XX Jeannine

[norfolklass]

Are they now classed as vermin and it is ok to dispose of them ?????????

just curious BB, are you having big problems with them?

[Larkshall]

Are they now classed as vermin and it is ok to dispose of them ?????????

They ARE vermin and you are required by law to dispatch them, it is an offence to release them. Either trap and kill or leave them alone.

I always shoot them in the cage trap with a .22 air rifle.

[Blue Bird]

Yes we have as we are so close to cemetary with trees all round must be at least 6 breeding pairs

will make sure that hessan sack is at hand and have heavy industrail gloves to ensure no bites and use club to dispatch.

Have had crops of onions potatoes and sweetcorn total destroyed by them but only on the nearest plots by the trees

[norfolklass]

Yes we have as we are so close to cemetary with trees all round must be at least 6 breeding pairs

are you required by law to wait until the breeding season is over, as with other animals and birds???

[telboy]

Grey squirrels,
1) Trap with the approved method.
2) Shoot the b*****ds with an approved method.
3) Leave for the fox to have a snack.

[Larkshall]

Grey squirrels,
1) Trap with the approved method.
2) Shoot the b*****ds with an approved method.
3) Leave for the fox to have a snack.

Yes, I did just as you say, especially feeding the fox.
As they are classed as vermin there is no closed season on them.

I have now erected an electric fence to keep the rabbits out, with a strip of wire netting at the base for an efficient earth return. That should warm their feet.