Dormouse and Squirrel

[hazelwattle]

I work in hazel coppice as a hurdle maker. The wood I am working in has a number of Grey Squirrels. I started to notice that they worked their way through the Oak trees, a lot of which are covered in ivy. Late one afternoon I saw them against the sky in profile, one had a small mammal in its mouth. I am sure it was a Dormouse. Does anyone know of any instances of this?

Graham Mead

[Dogghound]

Squirrels are a negative factor on most native wildlife, they are opportunistic and will take eggs, young birds and rarely/possibly small mammals. However are you sure it wasnt carrying one of its own young? if disturbed they will carry their own young to a new drey.

[hazelwattle]

I don't think it was a young squirrel. It was in January (I am there every day and I usually know when there are young about), plus the tail was quite distinct. I suspect hibernating dormice are quite easy prey for squirrels and will be seen as a food competitor.

Graham Mead