Viewing Single Post From: Squirrel Control With Border Terriers.

Viewing Single Post From: Squirrel Control With Border Terriers.
BorderDawn	Feb 28 2007, 03:09 PM
Moderator Posts: 1,900 Group: Moderators Member #36 Joined: January 12, 2005	Grey Squirrel control is VITAL to the survival of our native Red Squirrel. The Grey is an invader, an American import and a real problem, not only killing our Reds by taking over their habitat, but they are also the carriers and spreaders of the disease "Squirrel Pox" This KILLS our Redds in an awful manner, the Greys spread it but remain unaffected by it. http://www.europeansquirrelinitiative.org/the_threat.html This site will give you an insight to the damage Greys do, to our environment, our baby birds and to our native Red Squirrels. So, how do we control them? Well firstly my main aim is to shoot them, instant, no fuss or suffering of any description with a well aimed shot. No matter how people may percive people who shoot or hunt, the aim is ALWAYS on the quickest and most humane method, which is why poisoning, gassing etc.. is not ideal nor favoured. Squirrel skin is very thick and should the first shot not kill instantly and the animal bolts, we use dogs to catch them and despatch them quickly. An injured animal will run for cover, even your own dog would, we use the Borders to track and find that animal quickly, often found hiding in thick cover, it would be impossible to get another clean shot, so the dog is used, they are quick and efficient. Sometimes a Squirrel will run across ground, they usually stay close to trees, its unusual to catch one on the ground, however, they are not that quick, so one in an open area can be caught quickly and despatched by the Terrier. This was Breeze's first Squirrel she caught across the ground, it was dead in a second with a quick shake, she learned shake from Rats, as they bite! Squirrels have extremely powerful teeth, that rip and tear and they hang on, Terriers can be badly bitten if their technique is not fast and effective. Posted Image The next couple are of Tarn, we were asked to help with a serious Squirrel problem behind a pub, the loft had been invaded and the cables chewed through, trapping had no effect, so we managed to help by taking a few with guns and a couple on the ground. Posted Image Posted Image This one is also Tarn, this one caught on the ground in the yard, his strike is instant, an excellent dog for imediate despatch. Posted Image Finally Breeze with her "look what I got" look on her face! this one shot and bought back by her. Posted Image I hope thats given you an insight to the need for controlling Squirrels, I hope one day there will be no need for it at all, and our Native Reds are once again our only species. Dawn.


Squirrel Control With Border Terriers. · Working dogs