Scientific Name:
Otospermophilus beecheyi
Description
Small rodent (48 cm / 19 in in length from nose to tail) with mottled brown, gray, and white fur with a slender body that keeps them low to the ground.
Behaviors
Lives in burrows in open grassy fields from Southern California to Oregon. Their diet consists mostly of nuts, seeds, berries, and when available, insects. The ground squirrel is a popular food item for snakes, birds of prey, bobcats, coyotes, and mountain lions, so it must be on constant alert for predators. They make a high-pitched alarm call to warn of danger.
Fun Facts
Other rodents and snakes will take over an unoccupied squirrel burrow.
Nature Topics
Photo credit: ©Kip Evans
