Traditionally the grey squirrel has attempted to drive its red relative away, forcing them into hiding but now the battle has intensified thanks to the more widespread addition of the black squirrel.

Scientists claim that the testosterone-charged black variety is fitter, faster and more fiercely competitive than both reds and greys and appears to be spreading across England.

They are the result a single DNA mutation in their fur, darkening their colour, increasing their aggression levels as well as making them more attractive to female greys, leading researchers to believe that they could overrun the country. But what about the other beasts in our backyards, and what can we do to deter them?