Contraceptive pill to kill off grey squirrels
RED squirrels could dominate in Britain again thanks to a contraceptive pill aimed at its larger grey cousin.
Grey squirrels to be culled using the hormonal pill
There are around 2.7 million North American greys. They carry a virus that kills 99 per cent of infected native reds and cause £40million worth of damage to trees.
A Government-approved scheme involves luring the grey squirrels into feeding boxes, using pots containing hazelnut spread spiked with contraceptives.
Environment minister Lord Benyon said: “Important research on oral contraception shows promising signs that could help to eradicate the grey squirrel in the UK in a non-lethal way.”