It is understood that Prince Charles has backed a government plan to sterilise grey squirrels using traps filled with Nutella and oral contraceptive, with the aim of protecting their red cousins.

The invasive pests will be lured into eating a contraceptive, which the government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) believe will humanely reduce their numbers by up to 90 per cent.

Prince Charles is said to have approved the plans at a meeting with members of the UK Squirrel Accord.

Previous tests have found that the hazelnut spread is good for attracting the grey squirrels. Controlled trials have confirmed that red squirrels, voles and mice will be too small to open the bait boxes, leaving the contraceptives for their intended target.

Scott Johnstone
Communications Officer

5 May 2017  |  PPC87