A grey squirrel, affectionately named Elvis, has delighted animal welfare experts and local residents in Guernsey after multiple recent sightings confirmed he is alive and well, more than a year after fears he had perished. The elusive rodent, believed to have arrived on the island as a stowaway in February 2025, has been spotted around the St Sampson area, appearing healthy and remarkably agile.
The Guernsey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA) had expressed concern for Elvis's fate after a prolonged period without any reports. Steve Byrne, GSPCA manager, had previously stated it was 'highly likely' something untoward had happened to the squirrel. However, recent observations paint a different picture, with witnesses describing Elvis as 'healthy, active and extremely fast', according to the GSPCA's latest update.
Guernsey stands out as an island without a native squirrel population, primarily due to the absence of extensive woodlands required to sustain them. This makes Elvis a truly unique resident, and as far as the GSPCA is aware, he remains the first and only squirrel to live wild in Guernsey in living memory. His unexpected presence has turned him into a local phenomenon.
Despite his celebrity status, there's a practical consideration: grey squirrels are classified as an invasive species. This legal designation means that if Elvis were ever captured, authorities would be unable to release him back into the wild. For now, however, he continues to evade capture, thriving in his unusual island habitat and captivating those who manage to catch a glimpse of him.
Mr Byrne commented on the remarkable resilience of Elvis, noting that after such a long silence, it was 'amazing to receive several sightings'. He added that everyone reporting the squirrel had noted his excellent condition and impressive speed, highlighting his ability to evade detection and capture. The GSPCA encourages anyone who spots Elvis to report the sighting with as much detail as possible, including location, date, time, and a photograph, to help monitor his continued adventures.