Grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) are an arboreal species
that construct leaf nests (dreys) high in the woodland canopy. They will also den
within tree cavities and inside artificial den sites such as wooden boxes. Occasionally,
individuals will build a nest within the eaves or attic roof spaces of
buildings. In this paper we review the nesting behaviour of grey squirrels,
examine nest site occupancy as a means of monitoring population abundance,
review the control of grey squirrels whilst using different nest sites, and
consider how an understanding of nesting behaviour might help evolve grey
squirrel control programmes in Europe. Although
there are several detailed studies of nest box use in North American
populations, across Europe there remain only
limited data with respect to artificial dens. We report nest box use by grey
squirrels in Britain
before highlighting opportunities for future ecological study, which may assist
in managing this invasive pest species. In this context we make reference to findings
of long-term nest box studies of European red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) and flying squirrels that require replication.