The Hidden Threat Beneath Your Feet: Why Ground Squirrels Are More Than Just a Nuisance

Ever wondered about those holes appearing in your lawn, or why your new plants are suddenly looking chewed up? The culprit might be closer (and deeper!) than you think: the California ground squirrel. These common rodents, found throughout much of California, Oregon, and parts of Nevada, are more than just a minor inconvenience; they can pose significant threats to your property, health, and even local ecosystems.

Beyond the Garden: The Wider Impact of Ground Squirrels

While their penchant for devouring garden plants is well-known, the damage caused by ground squirrels extends far beyond your vegetable patch:

• Structural Damage: Their extensive burrow systems, which can range from 5 to 30 feet in length and up to 6 feet deep, can undermine foundations, sidewalks, and even roads, leading to costly repairs.
• Agricultural Losses: Farmers know the pain of ground squirrels eating valuable crops like grains, nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios!), and fruits, leading to significant economic losses.
• Irrigation System Destruction: They have a nasty habit of gnawing on plastic sprinkler heads and irrigation lines, creating leaks and water waste.
• Disease Carriers: This is perhaps the most concerning aspect. Ground squirrels can harbor diseases harmful to humans, most notably bubonic plague. While rare, outbreaks can occur, and it's crucial to report unusual numbers of dead squirrels to public health officials without handling them.
• Trip Hazards: Their burrow mounds and tunnels create uneven surfaces, posing a risk of falls for people and livestock.

Identification and Behavior: Knowing Your Foe

To effectively manage ground squirrels, it helps to understand them:

• Appearance: Brownish-gray fur, a body typically 9-11 inches long with a less bushy tail than a tree squirrel (5-9 inches). They often have a white ring around their eyes.
• Home Sweet Home: They live in colonies within complex burrow systems, where they do everything from sleeping and raising young to storing food and hiding from predators.
• Daily Routine: They're most active during the day, especially from mid-morning to late afternoon on sunny days.
• Reproduction: They typically have one litter per year, averaging 5-8 young, which emerge from the burrow around 6 weeks old.

Legal Considerations for Management

In California, ground squirrels are classified as "nongame mammals," meaning property owners or tenants can legally control them if they are causing damage. However, it's crucial to be aware of:

• Relocation Restrictions: It is illegal to relocate live-caught ground squirrels off your property without a permit.
• Protected Species: Be vigilant about proper identification. Some ground squirrel species, like the Mohave ground squirrel, are threatened and protected. Additionally, their burrows can be used by other endangered species like the San Joaquin kit fox or burrowing owls. Always ensure you're targeting the correct pest and not harming protected wildlife.
• Pesticide Labels: If using any pesticides, always read and follow the label meticulously for restrictions, especially concerning proximity to occupied structures or protected species' habitats.

By understanding the full scope of the ground squirrel problem and adhering to legal guidelines, you can implement targeted and responsible management strategies to protect your property and community.