Since grey squirrels spend a lot of time on the ground, would they be preyed on by foxes? Or would this be rare since foxes are nocturnal and squirrels aren’t?
What other predators do they have? (UK only).
Thanks.
11 Answers
foxes are mostly scavengers. they take what they can get and they aren’t picky eaters. they are carnivores and can prey upon squirrels, rabbits, mice, rats, birds and sometimes a cat or two. They can get into your trash or they can take what is left of another predator’s meal. as I said. they aren’t picky eaters. 🙂 foxes aren’t only nocturnal either. I have seen quite a few out in daylight and some times they prefer hunting in the daytime. There is more prey out. They do not have a lot of predators. i really can’t think of any at the moment. although large birds of prey do take on the young of a fox to eat.
The Grey Squirrel would be predated by the fox, if it could only get hold of them. There is a cross over twixt night and day when both will be active, however, the squirrel need only head for a tree or wall to escape a fox, so it would be a very rare occasion that a fox would be able to catch one.
Almost all other predators have long been eradicated from the British Isles. A very very small and insignificant number would be taken by foxes, adders and birds of prey. There are probably 100 times or more Grey Squirrels killed on the roads than by predation.
This is why the Grey Squirrel population in the UK is out of control.
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Do foxes eat grey squirrels?
Since grey squirrels spend a lot of time on the ground, would they be preyed on by foxes? Or would this be rare since foxes are nocturnal and squirrels aren't?
What other predators do they have? (UK only).
Thanks.
Foxes and cats are about their only predators. Dogs chase squirrels, but they don’t try to catch them. Squirrels are faster than foxes and can climb better than cats so they usually escape. Foxes kill the lame ones.
A fox will eat any animal it can kill. That’s how they survive. A squirrel would probably be a worthy opponent though – they’re quick and very bright!
I agree with trin, but on some cases foxes will hunt on their own such as that of the grey fox which is big enough, sneaky enough, so well hidden that it will surprise attack many times, then again, when foxes do hunt they have been known to attack squab coops.
yes foxes do eat squirrels ive seen it in day light , foxes in london are out all day sometimes
I think foxes would eat anything they can get their paws on!
Yes they do they even eat Rabbits as well
Yes they do eat them