The Ground Squirrel

Ground Squirrels survive very well in this environment. They dig many holes into the dirt. These holes are connected by a series of underground tunnels. These tunnels are called burrows. If a squirrel is in danger, it can jump down into its burrow and stay there until danger has passed. It can scurry through a tunnel to a surface hole several yards away. At the bottom right portion of this picture, you can see another burrow hole.

The squirrel’s fur is brown and gray. This camouflage makes the squirrel difficult to be seen by predators such as hawks, coyotes, and bobcats. I saw this squirrel near several pine trees. The squirrel must be enjoying the pine nuts from the trees. It also enjoys the seeds from these wild oat plants that have been cut down around its burrow hole. It also will eat small insects, grass, berries, and underground bulbs. Squirrels will chirp out a piercing alarm if they feel that they are being threatened. They have very sensitive ears and eyesight similar to humans.

Squirrels have babies usually twice a year. The babies are called "kittens." How charming is that? The kittens are only an inch long! The babies are protected by living underground. The kittens will leave the burrow when they are about 10 weeks old.

Many factors have helped the Ground Squirrel thrive all the way from Washington to Baja California. What factors have helped YOU survive in California? How old do you think you will be when you leave your home?

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