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California Ground Squirrel

Otospermophilus beecheyi

California Ground Squirrels are playful little animals that love to dig and explore. They have fluffy tails and are often seen in parks and grassy areas, where they enjoy the sunshine and munch on seeds.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The California Ground Squirrel has mottled grey-brown fur with light speckles on its back, blending into a lighter belly. A distinctive pale gray ring often encircles its eyes, and its sides and shoulders can show a reddish-brown tint. It has a relatively bushy, medium-length tail.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusOtospermophilus
California Ground Squirrel
furry trait badgesocial trait badgeburrowing trait badgegrassland trait badge
California Ground Squirrel

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

California Ground Squirrels communicate using at least six different alarm calls, each meaning something specific!

They estivate, a deep sleep during hot summer months, to conserve energy.

They plug burrow entrances with soil to keep out predators and stay safe.

They rub shed snake skin on themselves to mask their scent from lurking predators.

Special abilities

Ability

Snake Survivor

California Ground Squirrels can neutralize rattlesnake venom because they have special proteins in their blood, helping them survive bites.

Ability

Tail Talk

California Ground Squirrels can wave their bushy tails and heat them up to create a 'hot' signal that helps confuse and deter rattlesnakes.

Ability

Super Diggers

California Ground Squirrels can excavate complex burrow systems that provide shelter from predators and extreme weather.

Measurements & details

Length
33-44 cm
Weight
0.3-0.9 kg
Lifespan
2-6 years
Top Speed
25 km/h
Litter Size
5-11
Gestation
25-32 days

Diet & Feeding

Mainly eats plants, seeds, and insects, helping to spread seeds and control insect populations.

Primary Foods

  • Seeds
  • Nuts
  • Grasses
  • Leaves
  • Fruits
  • Insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Beechey's Ground Squirrel

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Watch from a distance and don't try to touch or feed them, as they are wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is California Ground Squirrel?

33-44 cm

How much does California Ground Squirrel weigh?

0.3-0.9 kg

How long does California Ground Squirrel live?

2-6 years

How fast can California Ground Squirrel move?

25 km/h

What does California Ground Squirrel eat?

Mainly eats plants, seeds, and insects, helping to spread seeds and control insect populations.

Where is California Ground Squirrel usually found?

Grasslands

How does California Ground Squirrel hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does California Ground Squirrel usually have?

5-11

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