Stowaway squirrel spotted in Guernsey

Thursday, 16 July 2026 15:14

By Holly Brown

The GSPCA has received multiple reports over the last week of a grey squirrel in the St Sampson area.

In February 2025, a grey squirrel made Guernsey headlines after being pictured scurrying around.

Not being native to the island, it was theorised that the critter may have accidentally arrived on a ferry, possibly hidden inside a vehicle.

Residents have since reported fresh sightings in the same area, leading to speculation that it could be the very same squirrel.

The GSPCA says the sightings suggest the animal is "healthy, active and extremely fast".

Manager Steve Byrne said the squirrel appears to be thriving.

"When Elvis first arrived on the island in February last year, he certainly caused a stir. We received many calls and sightings about him at the GSPCA.

"After a long period without any reports, many people wondered what had happened to him, so it has been amazing to receive several sightings over the last week from around St Sampson.

"Everyone reporting him has said he looks very healthy and is incredibly fast.

"As far as we are aware, Elvis remains the first and only squirrel to live wild in Guernsey, certainly in living memory. Guernsey simply doesn't have a native squirrel population, which makes every sighting particularly unusual and exciting.

"He has become a bit of a local celebrity, and many people have followed his story since he first arrived.

"It is remarkable that after all this time he continues to evade capture and appears to be doing so well."

Sightings can be reported to the GSPCA via admin@gspca.org.gg or call 257261.