GerardSamija wrote:
Greys, blacks, browns, all genetically identical - they're variations on the Eastern Grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, which was introduced in two incidents decades apart by men who thought they'd look cute. Being extremely territorial animals, they have forced any remaining native Douglas squirrels out of urban environments,
But [eastern squirrels] dig into rooftops, eat wiring insulation (lots of old woven cloth/shellac wire insulation around here still), and endanger homes with fire. They pee on everything, potentially spreading at least 5 human-transmissible diseases.
Yes, the Eastern Squirrel is one of the reasons I started airgunning. There are some here on the N Shore. Yes, they got into an attic here and I had to repair the wiring, replace pissy insulation, remove skeleton, and finish the soffit. And they compete with local Dougie squirrels, which are little and sort of sweet.
I would rarely see Dougies but had Eastern ones in my yard every day. Then this year, after 20+ years here, Dougie Squirrels are everywhere. I was in Squamish and saw lots there too. They’re noisy and very curious, often rush me in the driveway. I wonder why the population increased, and what will happen next year.