A rogue grey squirrel and a well-travelled gecko both unexpectedly turned up in Guernsey – causing confusion and an urgent search for new homes.
The grey squirrel, which was spotted perched on a vehicle at Blue Chip Motors in St Sampson, is believed to have hitchhiked over from the UK via a recently imported vehicle.
As squirrels are not native to Guernsey, its unexpected presence sparked concern, with the GSPCA appealing for sightings.
“Trying to catch a healthy squirrel will be very challenging until we know the area it settles in, but all reports are much appreciated,” said GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne.
“We never know what we are going to have to help.”
Before the island could even come to grips with its new rodent resident, another stowaway was discovered – this time in someone’s suitcase.
A Madeiran gecko, now named Maximillion, was found in a Guernsey resident’s luggage after they returned from holiday.
The tiny reptile, measuring around five inches long, had managed to make the trip undetected until its owner unpacked at home.
“The finder thankfully had a vivarium all ready set up, so caught the lizard and brought it up to us here at the GSPCA,” Mr Byrne said.
Maximillion is now in quarantine at the shelter, while the charity searches for a suitable home.
Unlike the squirrel, which may struggle to be captured, the gecko’s fate is more straightforward – though Mr Byrne acknowledged that rehoming non-native species can be complicated, as seen in the case of Barnacle Bill, a loggerhead turtle that took over a year to be safely relocated.
With a squirrel on the loose and a gecko now in temporary care, the GSPCA remains on high alert for more unexpected arrivals and has urged islanders to be mindful when travelling.
You can find out more about the work of the GSPCA HERE.