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.
Habitat
Grasslands, oak woodlands, roadsides, and parks
Diet
Seeds, forbs, acorns, insects, and bird eggs
How common
Common
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