The impacts of non-native, invasive grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) on broadleaf woodlands and red squirrel population (Sciurus vulgaris) are well recognised among wildlife professionals, yet efforts to control the species across its expanding range require substantial time and resources. Through collaboration, wildlife professionals and communities can more effectively implement the population monitoring and control programmes necessary to conserve native species under threat. However, for such collaboration to be successful, wildlife professionals must first understand public attitudes towards grey squirrels, and the control methods available. Through a national level survey (n = 3758) we examine the UK public's attitudes to red and grey squirrels, and the acceptability of seven control methods. Results show that much of the public have little knowledge of the grey squirrel's negative impacts. In fact, contrary to the notion of a pest species, the presence of grey squirrels is often desirable. Furthermore, those control methods recommended by wildlife professionals are regarded by the public as some of the least acceptable. Those most accepting of controls include males, older generations, those most knowledgeable about squirrels and people who are aware of squirrel management being practiced in their local area. To foster more fruitful collaboration, wildlife professionals should raise awareness of why particular control methods are preferred, highlight the damage grey squirrels cause to other valued species, and offer local communities a variety of roles which contribute to the wider goal of native species conservation.

野生动植物专业人士已经认识到非本地侵入性灰松鼠（Scuulus carolinensis）对阔叶林地和红松鼠种群（Scuulus vulgaris）的影响，但是在整个范围内控制该物种的努力需要大量的时间和资源。通过合作，野生动植物专业人士和社区可以更有效地实施必要的种群监测和控制计划，以保护受到威胁的本地物种。但是，要使这种合作成功，野生动植物专业人士必须首先了解公众对灰松鼠的态度以及可用的控制方法。通过国家层面的调查（n = 3758），我们研究了英国公众对红松鼠和灰松鼠的态度，以及七种控制方法的可接受性。结果表明，大多数公众对灰松鼠的负面影响一无所知。实际上，与有害生物物种的概念相反，灰松鼠的存在通常是可取的。此外，公众认为野生动物专业人士推荐的那些控制方法是最不可接受的。接受控制的人包括男性，较老的一代，对松鼠最了解的人以及知道在当地实行松鼠管理的人。为了促进更富有成效的合作，野生动植物专业人士应提高对为何首选特定控制方法的认识，强调灰松鼠对其他珍贵物种造成的损害，