A grey squirrel is on the loose in Guernsey, believed to have been brought into the island accidentally via a vehicle.
The GSPCA received a report on Monday (24 February) that a grey squirrel had found its way into the island.
It was seen on Grandes Maisons Road, near Bluechip Motors, in St Sampsons.
Steve Byrne, GSPCA Manager, is asking that any sightings are reported by calling 01481 257261 or emailing admin@gspca.org.gg
“It seems very healthy and has run off."
“Grey squirrels are not indigenous to Guernsey and we have let the States of Guernsey know."
“Trying to catch a healthy squirrel will be very challenging until we know the area it settles in but all reports are much appreciated and we will release more information when we know.”
Grey squirrels have a silver-grey coat and a red-brown face.
The Woodland Trust describes grey squirrels as having had a 'disastrous impact' on the UK population of the native red squirrel since their introduction from North America in the late 1800s.
Greys are larger, compete for food and carry a virus known as squirrelpox which, while greys themselves are immune to the disease, they transmit it to reds, for whom it is fatal.
It's estimated greys outnumber reds in the UK by more than 10 to 1, with the grey population estimated at 2.7 million in 2018.
Guernsey does not have any red squirrels, unlike Jersey where reds are the only type of squirrel found, making the island an important refuge for the endangered species.
Island FM caught up with Ross Phillips, a Bluechip employee, who spotted the 'Cyril the squirrel'.
@islandfm Guernsey meet ‘Cyril the Squirrel’ 🤝🐿️ #guernsey #channelislands #squirrel #nature #news #bizzare ♬ original sound - Island FM
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