Understanding the habits of California ground squirrels are crucial to the success of any control program. Read the topics below to gain a better understanding of squirrel biology.
Squirrel Identification
Test your squirrel savvy with this game.
Range
Squirrels are found all over California. Which squirrel is sharing your space?
Habitat
Adaptable to many different environments and climates, ground squirrels inhabit almost every corner of California.
Hibernation
Squirrels sleep biannually: in the summer and in the winter.
Identifying Burrows
Knowing which burrows belong to which kind of animal will aid in ground squirrel control efforts.
Feeding Habits
Ground squirrels eat a variety of foods depending on what is available. Squirrels are seed feeders but will eat fresh greens when available.
Breeding
Although producing one litter a year, the ground squirrel is a very effective reproducer with an average of 5 to 6 surviving young per litter per female (with the potential for having 15 young at once!). Breeding occurs mainly during the first half of the year, with most of the young born by April and emerging above ground by June.