There is a new invasion in the Okanagan. And while this pest may appear to be cute and fuzzy – it’s doing a lot more damage than you may realize.
“What we’re seeing is another stock on the global invasion of the Eastern Grey Squirrel,” says Karl Larsen, a professor of wildlife ecology at Thompson Rivers University.
Larsen says the squirrel – which normally calls eastern Canada and the US home, has moved into Australia, England and even the Lower Mainland. He says it’s trying to do the same in Kelowna.
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“These animals are considered one of the top invasive species of the world because wherever they get established they impact the ecosystems somehow.”
Larsen says the Grey Squirrel is going to outnumber the native Red Squirrel and could have an impact on vegetation and other species of wildlife.
“For example, they do eat songbirds.”
Larsen says that although he doesn’t like the idea, he says a cull of the Grey Squirrel may be necessary before it’s too late.
Larsen was speaking to the Central Okanagan Naturalists Club in Kelowna this week.
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