Controlling the grey squirrel..

[Mags]

One thing is for sure, it's a big problem...

Could contraception be the answer?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7026097.stm

[Grete]

I honestly don't know but I hate that they are trapped and killed. There has to be some way to control their reproduction rate and let them live their lives.

I feel the same way about pigeons.

[charliebubs]

I agree Grete - there has to be a more humane way.

I saw a pigeon get hit by a car this morning and it really upset me. I know it's just a pigeon and there are millions of them - but I hate the thought that anything gets killed

[dandysmom]

Fascinating article, Mags, thanks so much for posting it! I had no idea they were carriers of the squirrel pox...another thing to dislike about them! Most of you know my opinion of the tree rats, so all I can say is good luck in at least limiting the population! You'll never be rid of them!!!

[Grete]

Originally Posted by charliebubs

I agree Grete - there has to be a more humane way.

I saw a pigeon get hit by a car this morning and it really upset me. I know it's just a pigeon and there are millions of them - but I hate the thought that anything gets killed

Yeh I'm the same, I cry if I see anything get run over and I live in dread of running anything over. I will sit there in the car waiting for a bird to move out of the road, even with people honking their horns at me.

Most of the pest problems like pigeons and squirrels are ultimately caused by us - changing their environments to suit ourselves or removing their natural predators.

I just can't think of anything living as something to just throw away without a second thought.

[borderdawn]

Well I welcome the day the whole flippin lot are gone, same goes for Wood Pigeons! They are a HUGE problem, they spread disease and kill native species. I have no problem shooting both species at every given opportunity, and if one day that goes towards a Grey Squirrel free UK, I will be delighted!

[Grete]

Have to agree to disagree on that one I don't think we have the right to eradicate an entire species when we created the problem in the first place.

I think contraception is the answer and while it will take a long time before it has enough of an impact, it's better than outright slaughter and cruelty.

[borderdawn]

Originally Posted by Grete

Have to agree to disagree on that one I don't think we have the right to eradicate an entire species when we created the problem in the first place.

I think contraception is the answer and while it will take a long time before it has enough of an impact, it's better than outright slaughter and cruelty.

I think we have the right to eradicate any non native species that are killing our own native species with such ferocity that in a few years they will be extinct!

I appreciate your feelings grete and respect your opinion.

[Fran]

Originally Posted by borderdawn

Well I welcome the day the whole flippin lot are gone, same goes for Wood Pigeons! They are a HUGE problem, they spread disease and kill native species. I have no problem shooting both species at every given opportunity, and if one day that goes towards a Grey Squirrel free UK, I will be delighted!

Not often that we agree Dawn but I have to say I am 100% in agreement with you on this one!

[dandysmom]

I hate to sound like Animal Farm, but some animals are more equal than others! Who would object if a lethal virus could be found that would affect only rats? They destroy an enormous amount of crops, spread disease, bite children and animals, and as far as I can see are only useful as prey for very few other animals. Would it really upset the ecological balance if all rats could be eradicated? I'd welcome comments.......