Ground Squirrels

Copyright Barbara Samuelson 1999

Wonderful wildlife right at your feet! The California Ground Squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi ) lives in burrows. Hillsides or low earth banks are preferred sites because the burrows can be excavated horizontally, although many burrows are dug down vertically several feet to assure protection. They may live as long as six years, but three or four years is probably their average life span in the wild. Ground squirrels are diurnal, which means they are active during the day. They are most active during mid morning and late afternoon, especially on warm, sunny days. Ground squirrels are primarily vegetarians.