Can the squirrel problem be solved?
Researchers are trying to find a way to stop grey squirrels reproducing, but can the menace ever be stopped?
To some they are "tree rats", to others unwelcome foreign invaders. They have even been reported to launch unprovoked attacks on humans
would contraception eradicate them completely?
Grey squirrels are persecuted, at least in part, for being seen as American invaders,
Ross Minett, campaigns director at Advocates for Animals, says welfare organisations would be interested in an approach that did not involve culling.
"We are very interested in this idea [immunocontraception] if it could be an alternative to killing grey squirrels."
Angus Macmillan, who runs the Grey Squirrels website,
"They shouldn't be controlled and I don't think they can be controlled. There are other methods of saving the red squirrel. Nature controls species."
In the 19th Century it was the red that was the pest, blamed for damaging trees. The tables are now turned.
clipped from: news.bbc.co.uk 
