Tonight's Special: Tree Rats in Chanterelle Sauce
The UK is fed up with those pesky gray squirrels, also known as "tree rats." First imported in 1876, the critters commonly found across the US have flourished in massive numbers. But the worst part is that they are driving the native red squirrels to near extinction, partly due to a virus they carry. The grays are immune to the virus but the reds are not. So the Brits are waging a war of sorts on the grays. Besides defending the reds in mixed territories, citizens are trapping the grays for humane disposal. In certain parts, people are encouraged to dine on gray squirrels, although "it takes a lot of them to make a decent meal," says Northumberland's Lord Ridley. The Scottish Duke of Buccleuch's gameskeeper treats the neighbors to squirrel casserole, with chanterelles and herbs, and grilled on the barbecue. (From the LA Times.)