The grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) and the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) are two species of tree squirrels that have a long and intertwined history. Both squirrels are native to Eurasia, but the grey squirrel was introduced to North America in the 1800s, and it has since become a widespread and invasive species.
The Grey Squirrel
The grey squirrel is a native of eastern North America. It is a large squirrel, with a body length of 19-24 inches and a tail length of 10-12 inches. Grey squirrels have gray fur on their backs and white fur on their bellies. They have large, bushy tails and black ear tufts.
Grey squirrels are omnivorous, and they eat a variety of nuts, seeds, berries, fruits, and insects. They are also known to eat bird eggs and young birds. Grey squirrels are very adaptable and can live in a variety of habitats, including forests, parks, and backyards.
The Red Squirrel
The red squirrel is a native of Eurasia. It is a smaller squirrel than the grey squirrel, with a body length of 13-15 inches and a tail length of 8-10 inches. Red squirrels have red fur on their backs and white fur on their bellies. They have large, bushy tails and no ear tufts.
Red squirrels are also omnivorous, and they eat a variety of nuts, seeds, berries, fruits, and insects. They are also known to eat fungi and lichens. Red squirrels are more selective in their habitat choices than grey squirrels, and they prefer to live in coniferous forests.
The Introduction of the Grey Squirrel to North America
The grey squirrel was introduced to North America in the 1870s. It was originally introduced as a pet, but it quickly escaped into the wild. The grey squirrel quickly spread throughout North America, and it is now found in all but a few states and provinces.
The Impact of the Grey Squirrel on the Red Squirrel
The introduction of the grey squirrel has had a devastating impact on the red squirrel population in North America. The grey squirrel is a larger and more aggressive squirrel than the red squirrel, and it outcompetes the red squirrel for food and resources. The grey squirrel also carries a disease called squirrelpox, which is fatal to red squirrels. As a result of these factors, the red squirrel population in North America has declined by over 90% since the introduction of the grey squirrel.
The Future of the Grey and Red Squirrel
The grey squirrel is a widespread and invasive species in North America, and it is likely to continue to pose a threat to the red squirrel population. However, there are a number of efforts underway to help conserve the red squirrel, including habitat restoration and predator control. It is hoped that these efforts will help to protect the red squirrel and ensure its survival in North America.
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