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California ground squirrel

A species of North american rock squirrels, Also known as Digger squirrel
Scientific name : Otospermophilus beecheyi Genus : North american rock squirrels

California ground squirrel, A species of North american rock squirrels
Also known as:
Digger squirrel
Scientific name: Otospermophilus beecheyi
Genus: North american rock squirrels
California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) Photo By Hey Paul from State College, PA, USA , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

Description

The squirrel's upper parts are mottled, the fur containing a mixture of gray, light brown and dusky hairs; the underside is lighter, buff or grayish yellow. The fur around the eyes is whitish, while that around the ears is black. Head and body are about 30 cm (12 in) long and the tail an additional 15 cm (5.9 in). They can weigh from 280-738 g(9.87-26.01 oz). The tail is relatively bushy for a ground squirrel, and at a quick glance the squirrel might be mistaken for a fox squirrel. As is typical for ground squirrels, California ground squirrels live in burrows which they excavate themselves. Some burrows are occupied communally but each individual squirrel has its own entrance. Although they readily become tame in areas used by humans, and quickly learn to take food left or offered by picnickers, they spend most of their time within 25 m (82 ft) of their burrow, and rarely go further than 50 m (160 ft) from it. In the colder parts of their range, California ground squirrels hibernate for several months, but in areas where winters have no snow, most squirrels are active year-round. In those parts where the summers are hot they may also estivate for periods of a few days. California ground squirrels are often regarded as a pest in gardens and parks, since they will eat ornamental plants and trees. They commonly feed on seeds, such as oats, but also eat insects such as crickets and grasshoppers as well as various fruits. Dental Formula of Otospermophilus beecheyi is 1.0.2.31.0.1.3 × 2 = 22.

General Info

Lifespan

7-12 years

Diet

California ground squirrel primarily consumes plant-based food material, especially acorns and other tree seeds. This species also diversify its diet with insects, small vertebrates and occasionally birds' eggs, offering an omnivorous dimension to its dietary habits.

Appearance

California ground squirrel is a medium-sized, ground squirrel with a robust body shape. Its fur is thick and soft, colored predominantly a rich, grayish-brown with speckled patterns of light and dark fur. Distinguished by a white-lined mantle of fur along its back and large bushy tail, it has cheek pouches for carrying food. There are no significant differences in outward appearance with age, gender, or subspecies.

Behavior

California ground squirrel are diurnal ground squirrels, commonly seen perched erect or foraging for food which includes seeds, fruits, insects, and bird eggs. The species exhibits pronounced territoriality, vigorously defending their established areas. California ground squirrel also display unique antipredator behaviors, using their alarm calls to alert the colony of potential threats.

Population

Stable
California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) Photo By Hey Paul from State College, PA, USA , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
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