Geograph - photograph every grid square

An intruder into the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) enclosure, at the British Wildlife Centre. Despite the high fences, protected by electric wiring, the occasional grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) makes it into the enclosure.

Grey squirrels can be carriers of the squirrel parapoxvirus, which is fatal when contracted by red squirrels. For this reason, intruding greys are not left in the enclosure for long!

Grey squirrels are slightly larger and heavier than red squirrels, eat more, and produce more/larger litters of kittens each year.