The widespread Gray Squirrel population on Vancouver Island originated from one male and two females
brought from Ontario to the Vandermeer Game Farm in Metchosin. They escaped in 1966.
Private pest companies and wildlife rehabilitators have also helped spread this species,
trapping squirrels or rescuing orphaned squirrels and then releasing them, possibly in new habitat.
They reached Nanaimo two years ago and have now been sighted at Nanoose Bay.