GROUND SQUIRREL
The Ground Squirrels ranges throughout the state, except for the desert areas. The head and body are 9-11 inches long, and the somewhat bushy tail another 5-9 inches in length. Overall coloration is brownish, with whitish areas and a dark triangle between the shoulders. They are definitely considered an agricultural pest as they do significant damage to crops and pastures, and have even been linked to the plague.
Ground squirrels are commonly found in pastures, irrigated fields, on slopes and woodland, but they avoid densely wooded areas. They eat seeds, acorns, fruits, mushrooms, green vegetation, berries, vegetables, insects, and even birds and their eggs. The food is often stored in burrows, tunnel systems that can be up to 200 feet long. Several dozen squirrels may share a burrow complex. The burrows will have many openings, and will be used for years. During the day when they are most active, they will range up to 150 yards from a burrow entrance. They are less active during extremely hot weather. One vegetated acre can support 2-3 squirrels.
Life Cycle
Nests are made in underground burrows using dried vegetation. From 4-15 young are born in each litter, usually in spring, summer, and fall months. They remain underground for 6 weeks before emerging, and a new litter can be produced in as little as one month. Ground squirrels will hibernate in late fall to early winter, emerging as early as January. In the wild, they live about five years.
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