Squirrels

[Ric.ror]

Are they vermin and can they be poisned legally

[Maggoty]

I was given an abandoned bady squirrel a few years back (Monty) and looked after him, got him well - the lot. Once I got to that stage I was in a whole lot of trouble. I didn't have a licence to keep 'em and you are not allowed to release then into the wild. So I was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Whilst we were trying to sort it out he "escaped" so problem solved. I know they have bad press, but he was grogeous and I loved that little fella!! Sorry tho - didn't answer your question

[Ric.ror]

Oh they are lovely and I won't like doing it but I will not have them on my property - I mean if I put some rat poison down and they ate it - well that would not be my fault would it

[sue11]

I really would advise against doing that. I am struggling to understand how you could stop wild animals coming onto your property. Poison is a horrible way to kill animals and you would not be able to ensure that other animals will not eat it. I am also struggling to understand how you are quite happy to kill animals that you say you love? Can you not try to discourage them in other ways?

[ernestoba]

Although they are classified as vermin they can only be culled by authorized people.ie. the council or park rangers.

[paddywak]

The native red squirrel is I believe now a protected species and is unfortunately restricted to small parts of the country the grey American squirrel now covers large parts of the country and is classed as vermin, but as to how they can be dealt you'd have to read the various other postings I do know that several companies do sell humane traps but that only moves them around.

[Maggoty]

Because Monty was fed by mere humans when he was very young we weren't aware that calcium is a major part of their diet and as he was living off Hob Nobs (his most fave food) as well as the usual fruit etc he wasn't getting the right nutrients. So he kept on having fits, took him to a proper "wild" vet who put him on calcium suppliments. He was so funny when he had to take the drops - kept on spitting them out back at me. I swear I probably swallowed more than he did. He used to sit on the shoulders of the postman and the window cleaner when they came round and would stay with them until they had got to the end of the road then he used to scurry back . He would rush up to me sit on myshoulder leaning against me for 3 secs then would rush off again. But those 3 second cuddles were the best!!

[Bellringer]

If you have no other pets around, put rat poison down. If the "Tree Rats" eat it, hard luck.

[kaylamay]

if you put rat poison down, well it wouldn't be your fault!?
Of course it would be your bloody fault!
Squirrels are lovely and deserve to live too. If your neighbor took a disliking to you would you appreciate them putting poison in your tea?
How could you sleep at night knowing you have caused the agonizing death of a little innocent animal.
"I wouldn't like doing it" yeah right, but you still would.
That's sick and very very sad. I feel very sad for the little squirrels. I feed squirrels at the local park and they come right up to me and actually take nuts from my hand so gently.
Leave them alone.

[claguey]

Contact a Natural England (used to be DEFRA) Wildlife Consultant, who will tell you what you can and can't do legally, but will probably give you some advice on how to deter rather than poison the squirrel. Definately forget it if it's a red, they are a protected species and there are little enough of them about as it is.

[gundog]

Innocent little animal!
The American grey tree rats are responsible for the decimation of British song birds.
Would you sit and feed rats in the park? Do you put food out for mice?
Get real.

[carrust]

Get these 2 in?http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2006/giant- squirll-p1.php

[kaylamay]

Dear Gundog
yes i would feed mice and rats in the park. I love all animals!
Squirrels have to eat too. Do you kill off all the Lions cause they eat the Zebras?
I love it when humans make the problems and then use murder to fix it to their liking. What are these Squirrels doing that isn't in their nature?

[Ethel]

You are allowed to kill the grey squirrel in the UK as they are vermin.

One of my neighbours shoots them, another traps them and then puts the trap in the water butt to drown them. You can also buy traps that kill the squirrel. All of this is perfectly legal.
You do not need to be licensed or authorised in any way to kill grey squirrels on your own land or with the land owners permission.

If you trap them you are not allowed to release them into the wild, as already stated.


I would not advise poisoning, as poison can be eaten by non-verminous animals, or the poisoned squirrel could be eaten by another species.

[cockroach]

I work for a pest control co & Ethel's info is correct. But I do like to watch them.

[gundog]

'You're right ethel. Poison is not rhe best as it gets into the food chain. Traps should do the trick. I assume the problem is with greys.