Although squirrels, like rats and mice, are in the order of rodentia, the court felt, citing a dictionary definition, that not all rodents are “vermin,” implying that, while rats and mice probably are, a squirrel is not.

Is squirrel a rodent or vermin?

Thus, squirrels are mammals because they breathe air and give birth to live babies rather than laying eggs. They are rodents and close cousins to other rodent species such as rats and mice.

Why are squirrels considered vermin?

Since 1981, the law has classed the grey squirrel as vermin. ... Greys gobble up birds' eggs or chicks, rip bark off trees and destroy acorns, reducing the number of potential oak saplings. Greys are often carriers of a virus called squirrel pox, which is lethal for the red squirrel.