California Ground Squirrel

About the California ground squirrel

The California ground squirrel can be identified by physical as well as behavioral characteristics. Adult ground squirrels can reach an overall length of 18-20 inches with the body slightly longer than the tail. California ground squirrels are gray with lighter flecks distributed over the surface of the back and sides. The nape of the neck has a pair of dark triangular patches that extend just beyond the shoulders. A noticeable white fringe adorns the sides and tip of the tail. When frightened they always seek shelter in an underground burrow. Ground squirrel live in unplugged burrows in the ground that are approximately 4 inches across and are active only during the day.

Damage

Ground squirrels damage many fruit and nut trees as well as vegetables and ornamental plants. They may damage young trees, shrubs and vines by gnawing bark, girdling trunks, eating twigs and leaves, and burrowing around roots. Ground squirrels will chew on plastic sprinkler heads and irrigation pipe. They also feed on the eggs of ground nesting birds, such as pheasant and quail. Their extensive burrows damage landscaping and undermine structures, roads, dams, and slopes contributing to erosion. When populations become unnaturally high, their burrowing and feeding activities may serve to degrade an area’s biodiversity, sometimes leaving it a pockmarked moonscape. Ground squirrels are serious agricultural pests causing damage from $30 to $50 million annually in California alone (Marsh, 1994). They do much immediate damage, and also create problems that may surface later on. Damage ranges from chewing on trees and irrigation lines, eating crops, destruction from burrowing, and disease such as plague.

Control

California ground squirrels do very well in areas disturbed or altered by man which border a natural setting. In fact, in these areas ground squirrel populations may increase to many times the level it would be in a truly natural environment. It is in these situations that control frequently becomes necessary. The most effective control measures for ground squirrels are poison baits and burrow fumigants. Early recognition of potential and actual damage, and early control are stressed, as ground squirrels readily adapt to new environments and may establish large populations in a short period of time. If you notice ground squirrels on your property, begin monitoring them immediately.

Legal Status

Ground squirrels are classified as nongame mammals by the California Fish and Game code. Nongame mammals which are found to be injuring crops or other property may be controlled at any time or in any manner that is legal and humane by the owner or tenant of the property. They may also be controlled by federal, state or county officers or employees while acting in their official capacities.