Mammal · GBIF taxon 8080937
California Ground Squirrel
Otospermophilus beecheyiAlso known as Beechey Ground Squirrel, Beechey's Ground Squirrel
California ground squirrels are highly social rodents that live in extensive, communal burrow systems dug into open grasslands, oak woodlands, and suburban parks. They communicate using a complex system of high-pitched alarm chirps to warn of aerial and terrestrial predators, and they have evolved a remarkable resistance to rattlesnake venom. During cold winter months, they retreat underground to hibernate, though individuals in warmer coastal regions may remain active year-round.
DiurnalBurrowingSocial
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Acorns
- Seeds
- Insects
Predators
- Red-tailed Hawk
- Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
- Coyote
ThreatsHabitat loss, rodenticides, vehicle collisions, and agricultural eradication campaigns
HabitatsGrasslands, oak woodlands, chaparral, pastures, and suburban fields
Life span3 to 5 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilySciuridae
- SpeciesOtospermophilus beecheyi
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can carry fleas transmitting plague and may bite if cornered; observe from a safe distance.
Responsible observation
- Keep your distance: Avoid feeding them, as they can become aggressive beggars and lose their natural foraging skills.
- Watch for tail-flagging: Observe how they heat up and wave their tails to intimidate hunting rattlesnakes.
- Listen for alarms: Pay attention to their sharp, metallic chirps, which signal a nearby hawk or predator.
Predator Connor Long / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Predator Buteo_jamaicensis_1.jpg: Alan Vernon derivative work: Berichard (talk) / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Kristof & Yulia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kristof & Yulia · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Judy Gallagher · cc-by-sa
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