California Ground Squirrel

Spermophilus beecheyi

California Ground Squirrel.jpg

Squirrels are important members of the forest ecosystem. Their seed burying habits help with tree regeneration. Many species of squirrels dig holes about as deep as their head and bury seeds for later retrieval, which they do by smell. Most live in open spaces near rocks and stumps where they can easily view the surrounding area. However, they do not climb trees. In conifer forests they feed on pine or fir seeds. They have inner cheek pouches for carrying food or nesting material. California ground squirrels live in burrow systems that can house many generations, forming a sort of colony. Each individual has an entrance of their own. They tend to stay within 150 yards of their burrow system and retreat, usually only to their entrance of that burrow system. They frequently spend time sunning themselves. Depending on the climate, they may hibernate, or aestivate to escape undesirable temperatures.

Family:

Sciuridae (squirrel)

Description:

A large ground squirrel, gray-brown in color ticked with black and white hair ends.  Tail not as long or bushy as that of the tree squirrel.  California ground squirrels have a white ring around each eye.  The body length can range from 13-20 inches and tail length up to 9 inches. These animals can weight up to 1.5 pounds. Their weight fluctuates radically from season to season.

Habitat:

California ground squirrel can be found in a variety of  habitats. They are  terrestrial, and semifossorial, requiring habitats with some loose soil where they can excavate an appropriate burrow. You may find them down in valleys and up on rocky outcrops in the mountains, to an elevation of 7000 feet. They can be found in urban, suburban and agricultural areas. By and large this species is widely distributed within its range.

Range:

Spermophilus beecheyi is found throughout most of California, most of western Oregon and portions of western Nevada.

Diet:

The diet of these animals is primarily seed-based. California ground squirrels consume seeds, barley, oats, and acorns. They also eat fruits, like gooseberries and pears, and quail eggs. They include insects in their diets when they are available, and have been known to eat grasshoppers, crickets, beetles and caterpillars. They also eat roots, bulbs, and fungi, such as mushrooms.

Breeding:

The mating season occurs in early spring, typically for a few weeks only.  Females produce one litter per year after a gestation period of roughly one month. Litters range in size from five to eleven young.

Comments:

Voice a sharp chirp when alarmed.

mtm 02-27-2021