A conservation group claims to have wiped out two-thirds of the grey squirrel population in Northumberland.
Almost 12,000 grey squirrels have been killed in Northumberland in an effort to save the red of the species.
The Red Squirrel Protection Partnership (RSPP), funded by Defra, has targeted grey populations from the Scottish Borders to the River Tyne.
New figures reveal that two-thirds of the county's grey population, which spread a lethal pox virus, have been culled with Government backing.
UK native red squirrels are dying out because they cannot compete for food against the larger grey populations.
The RSPCA said it "questioned" long-term culling and hoped the animals had been killed humanely.
The Red Squirrel Protection Partnership (RSPP), funded by Defra, carried out the cull and targeted grey populations from the Scottish Borders to the River Tyne.
In just over a year, 11,615 have been culled using "humane pest control", according to the group's chairman, Liberal Democrat peer Lord Redesdale.
In just over a year, 11,615 have been culled using "humane pest control", according to the group's chairman, Liberal Democrat peer Lord Redesdale.
Grey squirrels are seen as a major threat to the UK's native red species.
There are two methods of culling - poisoning with warfarin or the animals are shot after being lured into traps with hazel nuts.
They were introduced from North America in the 19th Century and have out-competed reds because of their larger size and higher breeding rates.
Some people believe it is impossible to control the spread of grey squirrels, but we have proved it can be done, and reasonably cheaply Lord Redesdale
Some people believe it is impossible to control the spread of grey squirrels, but we have proved it can be done, and reasonably cheaply Lord Redesdale
Greys also carry the squirrelpox virus, which can devastate red squirrel populations.
In January 2006, the government announced a targeted cull of greys in areas where red squirrels were being squeezed out.
The RSPP, which received £148,000 funding, is alerted to grey colonies by landowners or members of the public.
Lord Redesdale said: "Once we're tipped off about the greys, we move in and set traps which are instantly effective.
Lord Redesdale said: "Once we're tipped off about the greys, we move in and set traps which are instantly effective.
"We can clear an area in matter of days, using staff specially trained in humane methods.
"We can clear an area in matter of days, using staff specially trained in humane methods.
"Some people believe it is impossible to control the spread of grey squirrels, but we have proved it can be done, and reasonably cheaply."
"Some people believe it is impossible to control the spread of grey squirrels, but we have proved it can be done, and reasonably cheaply."
Greys were introduced from North America in the 19th Century and have out-competed reds because of their higher breeding rates.
There are estimated to be only 140,000 red squirrels left in Britain, with over 2.5m greys.
According to the RSPP, red and grey squirrels cannot live alongside eachother, because reds cannot compete for food against the larger and more powerful greys.
Strip bark
Since 1930 it has been illegal in the UK to release a grey squirrel after it has been trapped, and it must be humanely killed.
The reds have a strong-hold in Kielder Forest, but the RSPP predicts they will be extinct in Northumberland within 10 years.
Grey squirrels are also considered a threat to woodland because they strip bark from trees.
A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: "We questions whether culling is a long-term solution to this problem.
"But if the scheme is in coalition with DEFRA we would hope and expect that animal welfare is a priority and everything is being done under licence and is within the law."
The RSPP, which received £148,000 funding, is alerted to grey colonies by landowners or members of the public.
The RSPP now plans to move on into County Durham.
The RSPP now plans to move on into County Durham.
Grey squirrels are considered pests in the UK, and once trapped it is illegal to release them.
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