Grey squirrels 'freed by public', red groups say

Red squirrel numbers have declined in recent years

Groups trying to save red squirrels say they are being hampered by the public releasing greys, or damaging and destroying traps.

The native species still has significant populations in Northumberland and Cumbria, but their numbers have declined sharply as greys move in.

Ian Glenndinning, who chairs Northern Red Squirrels, which represents the groups, said: "It's a growing problem which makes a difficult job even harder".

The charity Animal Aid said killing greys was "unjustified".

Ian Glendinning says killing greys is the only way to save the red squirrel

Many of those who trap and kill grey squirrels say surveillance cameras are also often damaged or stolen.

"I'm all for people coming into the countryside but they need to respect what we do here," Mr Glendinning added.

The Bedlington and District Red Squirrel group say it has had up to five greys released in two years and CCTV equipment stolen.

Co-ordinator Paul Brannan said: "In one case, a trap had been taken out of its covering, in another, there was actually video evidence.

"We tracked down the man on social media and I sent him a message and he apologised, so we didn't take it further," he added.

Grey squirrels, native to North America, carry a pox which is deadly to red squirrels

Fellow co-ordinator Carole Neesam says she often gets people criticising her when checking traps.

"People say what we're doing is cruel," she said. "But, without us, soon there'll be no red squirrels in Northumberland."

Robert Benson, chair of Penrith and District Red Squirrel group, says they are dealing with "an explosion in grey numbers".

"We have had traps smashed up and opened and trail cameras being damaged or stolen," he said. "It doesn't help".

"Local people understand, but people visiting from further south see grey squirrels as part of our wildlife and don't see what a threat they are," he added.

A group in Northumberland say up to five squirrels have been released from its traps in two years

Originally from North America, the larger grey squirrel is classified as a invasive non-native species, it is not illegal to kill them, and it is a criminal offence to release them

It carries - but is not affected by - a pox, which causes red squirrels to die slowly and painfully.

"The majority of people who think what we do is cruel have never seen a red squirrel die from the pox," Mr Glendinning said. "It's a horrific death."

Grey squirrels not only threaten reds they also cause damage to woodlands, according to the Royal Forestry Society.

Labels are used to deter the public from tampering with traps

Most conservation organisations operating in Northumberland and Cumbria either cull grey squirrels themselves or allow others to do so on their land.

The charity Animal Aid is against the killing grey squirrels.

Campaign manager Fiona Pereira said: "There is no excuse to kill one animal to boost numbers of another."

"There are still healthy numbers of reds in mainland Europe - which makes the motivation for killing the greys in the UK even more unjustified."