Ground Squirrel BMP 

A permit is NOT required for the control of California ground squirrels. As a non-game mammal , this animal may be controlled at any time through approved means and methods when found depredating private property. However, when endangered or protected species are present in the depredated area, certain restrictions may apply. 

Some bait materials require a Restricted Use Permit: zinc phosphide, aluminum phosphide , and acrolein .  A few pesticides are restricted in their use in certain areas because of endangered species conservation. Check with your local Agricultural Commissioner for restrictions on these materials.

TYPES OF CONTROL METHODS:

EXCLUSION: Such as fencing, plugging holes, creating barriers

• Legal considerations: When excluding animals, you may inadvertently confine them. This may be considered trapping or "take."

SCARING: Sound, light, effigies (scarecrow, hawk kite), balloons, mechanical devices, water, herding, pyrotechnics

• Legal considerations: Harassment is defined as "an intentional act which disrupts an animal's normal behavior pattern, which includes, but is not limited to breeding, feeding or sheltering." It is unlawful to harass, herd or drive wildlife, except when preventing damage to property or crops. Protected wildlife can only be harassed with a permit.

LETHAL CONTROL: Shooting, poisons, kill traps

• Legal considerations: hunter safety, special permits (I.e. poison), trapping licenses, species specific kill traps, shooting laws (night vs. day, from vehicle, from blind, gun and ammunition, age, etc.), status of the pest, method restriction, secondary effects

ALTER HABITAT : Remove food source, change cover (add or remove), change habitat

• Legal considerations: impacts upon many other species. In riparian or protected areas, modification or change is normally highly restricted. A permit specifying actions is most likely necessary.

OTHER METHODS: Including live traps, repellents, relocation, biological control, and chemosterilants.

• Live traps : Live trapping is regulated by the same federal and state laws and regulations as other control methods. Additional considerations include permits for relocating animals or how this animal will be humanely killed.
  
• Repellents: Considered a pesticide. Must follow label use directions.
• Relocation: Most relocation efforts are not successful. Department of Fish and Game permits are required to relocate wild animals.
  
• Biological Control: Introduction of diseases (not currently available) or natural predators such as barn owls. Cannot capture or release predators for biological control without permit.
  
• Chemosterilants: classified as a pesticide or drug. Not currently available in California. Extensive research is being conducted.