Squirrel Wars

Grey squirrels face massive cull

A massive cull of grey squirrels is to take place across England to try to halt declining numbers of the endangered native red population.

Biodiversity minister Jim Knight said "humane and targeted pest control" would cull greys in areas where red squirrels are being 'squeezed out'.

Most UK reds are confined to Scotland, Cumbria, Northumbria, the Isle of Wight and islands in Poole Harbour.

They are weaker than grey squirrels, which also carry the squirrelpox virus.

Mr Knight said the aim was not to completely eradicate the greys, which have a population estimated at more than two million - outnumbering red squirrels by 66 to one.

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Why can't I be Biodiversity Minister?