The California Ground Squirrel is a large, mottled-brown ground squirrel abundant in grasslands and open woodlands throughout California and extending into Oregon and Nevada. It is a colonial burrower that creates extensive burrow systems used by many other species, including burrowing owls and kit foxes. California ground squirrels have evolved a remarkable resistance to rattlesnake venom and actively confront rattlesnakes to protect their young.
Best time to see a California Ground Squirrel
The best time to see a California Ground Squirrel is January–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 65,060 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a California Ground Squirrel? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent California Ground Squirrel sightings near you
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