Grey squirrels to be controlled

The number of grey squirrels in England is to be controlled because they're pushing out species rarer than them.

According to research the grey squirrel damages woodland, harms dormice and prevents red squirrels from settling.

Grey squirrels carry the Squirrelpox virus which is lethal to reds. They'll be killed using humane methods in areas where they are causing most damage.

There are currently more than two million grey squirrels in England but not all of these will be removed.

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Although some groups consider grey squirrels to be pests many others are fond of them as they allow people in cities to experience wildlife.

The RSPCA said that it was against the idea of a cull.

"There is far more to helping red squirrels than trying to kill every grey," said a spokesman.

The grey squirrel was first introduced in this country from North America in the 19th century.

What do you think about this?

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Your Comments

I think it is horrible to punish grey squirrels for the damage of the woodlands when it's ok for humans to be cutting down trees all over the world!

Rebecca, 12, Tamworth

I think the grey squirrels should be culled because they're killing all the red squirrels.

Kirsty, 13, Crawley

I have a nest of squirrels in my garden but I hate them. I think all greys should be killed so the reds have a chance.

James, 12, Sale

I think grey squirrels are as important as red squirrels and should not all be removed.

Jamie, 14, Elgin

I think they should catch them and instead of killing them just take them to another place where there are no red squirrels and big trees!

Emma, 12, Barnsley

There must be a way around just killing them!

Julia, 9, London

I think red squirrels have the right to be free in this country than grey squirrels but I don't think any wildlife should be killed. I mean, if people kill grey squirrels today, they might one day die out. Also, the grey squirrels don't mean to harm anyone or anything.

Kajaniy, 12, Surrey

There is a red squirrel in the garden of my holiday house in Scotland. It's beautiful and I think there should be more around.

Lisa, 14, Glasgow

I don't think they should kill the grey squirrels because it's cruel and they will then become extinct too. If they were going to get rid of some then you should ship them somewhere!

Jessica, 14, Lewes

I don't like the idea of squirrels being killed but I would like to see a native red one as I never had before.

Katherine, 10, Oxford

I kind of have mixed feelings about it. Sure, the red squirrel is a native of the UK but it is sad that grey squirrels have to be killed.

Zoe, 13, Stevenage

I think that we shouldn't let grey squirrels drive away red squirrels

George, 7, Skelton-On-Ure

I think grey squirrels should not get killed because they are cute and we should give them a second chance. The red squirrels could live in a park with a fence round so grey squirrels can't get in.

Lauren, 8, Marton-le-Moor

We need a way to save both species of squirrels but still not harm anything. I don't think that ANYTHING needs to be killed at all.

Tilly, 10, Ripon

I don't like the idea of the grey squirrels being killed to control their numbers, but if it is the only way to stop red squirrels becoming extinct in Britain then it should be dealt with quickly.

Elliot, 15, Solihull

I agree because red squirrels have been here longer and it's only fair that they get their trees back and grey squirrels are spoiling the environment.

Dana, 9, Wolverhampton

It is sad that the greys have to be killed but it will be good to see more reds.

Amos, 13, Brighton

Grey squirrels are natural and don't mean to carry around squirrelpox. The animals will sort themselves out naturally in the future.

Georgina, 8, Aston

I think there should be another way to control them, for example ship some of them back to North America where they can live in forests.

Oliver, 11, Skelton-On-Ure

I don't think you should try and control wildlife because it's not there to be controlled. It will sort itself out in time. If something happens it is meant to happen.

Cassie, 12, Ringwood

I think red squirrels are really beautiful creatures and they should protected, not the grey ones which aren't even native.

Kitwit, 11, Lewes

I think that grey squirrels are cute but I think it is right way to kill them. I haven't seen any red squirrels and that's why I haven't seen any because the grey squirrels are pushing them out because the grey squirrels are breeding a lot.

Sioned Joy, 10, Bangor

I think it's a stupid idea why kill other animals though red squirrels are endangered. I'm sure there is another way to save them without killing other animals. I put £9 a week towards helping endangered species including squirrels.

Alice, 14, Manchester

I know it may seem cruel, but I think it is a good idea as they are being pests to the environment. The red squirrel is endangered and we need more of them.

Hannah, 12, Derby

I think it's wrong that they are going to kill grey squirrels - it's not fair.

Becky, 12, Newton-le-Willows

I think it is a good idea to kill some of the grey squirrels as then the red squirrels will have a better chance of survival.

Amy, 10, Whitehaven

I think they are really cute but I don't mind if they are controlled.

Alice, 14, Omagh