North’s first black squirrel captured

Jun 17 2009 by Amy Hunt, The Journal

THIS is believed to be the first black squirrel captured in the North East.

Trapper Paul Parker has been at the business end of a controversial cull of 22,800 grey squirrels in the region, as part of efforts to protect native red squirrels. Now he claims to have found a black squirrel, larger and more aggressive than a grey, and a species which has so far only been spotted in the South.

After a tip-off a black squirrel had been spotted near Rowlands Gill, Paul used hazelnuts as bait to trap it. After several days of waiting he caught this animal, which is said to be the offspring of a pure black and a grey.

Paul said the squirrel, which he named Zorro because of the mask-like markings on his face, was twice the size of a grey.

He said: “I’ve never seen anything like it, it is huge. Black squirrels are very elusive, as soon as they see you they’re away. And it’s very unusual for them to be seen all the way up here. I will see if I can get hold of the black parent one now.”

It is thought the black squirrels is a mutation of the grey.

They have thrived in parts of the south of England. Estimates show there could be as many as 25,000 in the east of England.

Black squirrels are difficult to catch because they are very good at spotting if anything in their environment has changed and are naturally wary.

The gene that causes the black colour in squirrels could also be linked to higher testosterone levels – and there is anecdotal evidence that the black squirrels are more aggressive.

Paul, who works as head trapper for the Red Squirrel Protection Partnership, trains householders to use grey squirrel traps in their back gardens. The aim of his work is ultimately to wipe out the greys in order that native red squirrels can thrive.

Larger grey squirrels carry the squirrel pox virus which kills the reds, they also eat baby squirrels and birds.

Since January 2007 he has caught and “dispatched” 22,865 greys. The dead creatures are sold to butchers.

Log on to www.saveoursquirrels.org for details about the work of the RSPP or to become a member visit www.rspp.org.uk Report sightings of grey squirrels to Paul on 07890 600243.

I’ve never seen anything like it. Black squirrels are very elusive, as soon as they see you they’re away