The Glis glis was introduced into Tring in Hertfordshire, in 1902. It now occurs in several of the surrounding Chiltern counties. It prefers mature, deciduous woodlands where it inhabits tree holes. It also builds tree nests similar to squirrel dreys. Glis glis also readily invade lofts and sheds where they can cause considerable damage and nuisance.

Glis glis are very different from common dormice, being twice the size and lacking any suggestion of orange in the fur. They are more easily confused with grey squirrel, but are much smaller.

They have a uniform greyish brown appearance except for dark rings around the eyes and slightly darker stripes on the outside of the legs. They are white underneath. The tail is somewhat flattened in the horizontal plane, with a median parting of hair below. Head and body of adults are up to 175 mm with an average of 150 mm long. Average weight is 140g.

Entirely nocturnal and very agile climbers, Glis glis hibernate usually from October through to April. They eat all kinds of fruit, nuts, buds, bark, insects and sometimes the eggs and nestlings of birds.

Glils glis have a confused legal status. Licences are required to trap and/or kill the animals. Anyone suffering problems with this species in cropping situations should contact the relevant Agricultural Department. DEFRA are the licensing authority where Glis glis are causing problems in domestic property.

Please call 01923 634564  for further assistance.