With his smart grey coat and flashing tail, this little squirrel has settled well into a life of domestic bliss.
Just three weeks ago Mr Grey was found lying on the side of the road in Co Down, an injury to his head.
Passer-by Karen Bell, took pity on him, gathered him in a little blanket and carried him home to die in peace.
But after three days and no movement, this grey squirrel suddenly came round and he has been exploring life in her Donaghadee home ever since.
Karen said: “When I saw him he had an injury to his head and I thought he was dying.
"I didn’t want to leave him on the roadside for some other creature to come and eat.
"So I took him home an placed him in a dog crate and left him there to die in peace.
“But although he didn’t move for three days, he was still breathing and I was beginning to wonder what to do.
“Then suddenly he came round and he’s been lively ever since.
"I reckon he’s about nine weeks old so still very young but he’s very confident.
"He has meal times sussed, he watched TV, climbs on my dad’s hat, rides my dog Bella like a little hairy rodeo rider and he is generally very busy.
“So now he has become part of our household and he’s enjoying lock down in comfort and safety.
“I only brought him home to give him a dignified death and now he’s sort of running the house.
“So I decided I better give him a name, and what better than Mr Grey?”
The Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has been trying to find a way to eradicate grey squirrels from the country.
But with little characters like Mr Grey showing their smarts and ability to adapt at the swish of a tail, it’s little wonder the plans are still just wishful thinking of civil servants.
Greys are actively discouraged in areas where native red squirrels live because they can out compete for food and space.
The best places to see red squirrels:
- Co Antrim. Glenariff Forest Park. Cregagh Wood. Straidkilly.
- Co Down. Mount Stewart. Tollymore Forest Park. Kilbroney Forest Park.
- CoFermanagh. Castle Archdale Country Park. Ely Lodge. Florence Court
