4 Types of Squirrels in California With Photos and Facts
California has many squirrels, which are small, furry rodents with bushy tails. They live in different places, from forests to cities, and eat various foods, like nuts and insects. Some squirrels save food for later by hiding it underground or in trees.
Types of Most Common Squirrels in California?
There are two main groups of squirrels that live in California: tree squirrels and ground squirrels. Tree squirrels are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees. They have long, slender bodies and tails that help them balance and maneuver through the branches. Ground squirrels are terrestrial, meaning they live on the ground. They have shorter, stockier bodies and tails that help them dig and escape from predators. Ground squirrels also have cheek pouches that allow them to carry food to their burrows.
Within these two groups, there are several species of squirrels that have different characteristics, behaviors, and distributions. In this article, we will introduce you to five types of squirrels that live in California: the eastern gray squirrel, the fox squirrel, the western gray squirrel, the Douglas squirrel, and the Humboldt’s flying squirrel. We will also provide you with some interesting facts, videos, and maps that show their native and introduced ranges in California and beyond.
#1. Eastern Gray Squirrel
The eastern gray squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is one of the most common and widespread tree squirrels in North America. It is native to the eastern and midwestern United States and southeastern Canada, but has been introduced to many other regions, including California, where it is considered an invasive species. The eastern gray squirrel has a grayish-brown fur with white underparts and a long, bushy tail. It can grow up to 20 inches in length, including the tail, and weigh up to 1.5 pounds. The eastern gray squirrel is active during the day and feeds on nuts, seeds, fruits, and buds. It also caches food in the ground or in tree cavities for winter use.
Eastern Gray Squirrel NATIVE Range Map
The map below shows the native range of the eastern gray squirrel in North America. The red area indicates the historical range, while the green area indicates the current range. The eastern gray squirrel is native to the eastern and midwestern United States and southeastern Canada, where it occupies a variety of habitats, such as deciduous forests, mixed woodlands, parks, and gardens.
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#2. Fox Squirrel
The fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) is the largest tree squirrel found in California. It is native to the eastern and central United States and northern Mexico, but has been introduced to many other regions, including California, where it is considered an invasive species. The fox squirrel has a reddish-brown fur with black markings and a long, bushy tail. It can grow up to 27 inches in length, including the tail, and weigh up to 2.5 pounds. The fox squirrel is active during the day and feeds on nuts, seeds, fruits, and corn. It also caches food in the ground or in tree cavities for winter use.
Fox Squirrel NATIVE Range Map
The map below shows the native range of the fox squirrel in North America. The red area indicates the historical range, while the green area indicates the current range. The fox squirrel is native to the eastern and central United States and northern Mexico, where it occupies a variety of habitats, such as hardwood forests, pine woodlands, prairies, and farmlands.
Fox Squirrels seem to thrive around people.
Unlike some other squirrels, the fox squirrel seems to adapt well to human-modified environments, such as urban and suburban areas. Fox squirrels can often be seen in parks, campuses, golf courses, and backyards, where they take advantage of the food and shelter provided by people. Fox squirrels are also known to raid bird feeders, garbage cans, and crops, which can cause conflicts with humans. However, some people also enjoy feeding and watching these squirrels, as they can be quite entertaining and charismatic.
Fox Squirrels are incredible jumpers!
One of the most impressive abilities of the fox squirrel is its jumping skill. Fox squirrels can leap up to 15 feet horizontally and 10 feet vertically, which helps them escape from predators, such as hawks, owls, coyotes, and cats. Fox squirrels can also use their long, bushy tails to steer and balance in mid-air, as well as to communicate with other squirrels. The video below shows some amazing footage of fox squirrels jumping from tree to tree and from roof to roof.
WATCH squirrels jumping about 10 feet to my bird feeders!
#3. Western Gray Squirrel
The western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus) is a native tree squirrel that lives in California. It is also found in Oregon, Washington, and Nevada, as well as in parts of Mexico. The western gray squirrel has a silver-gray fur with white underparts and a long, bushy tail. It can grow up to 24 inches in length, including the tail, and weigh up to 2 pounds. The western gray squirrel is active during the day and feeds on nuts, seeds, acorns, and pine cones. It also caches food in the ground or in tree cavities for winter use.
Western Gray Squirrel Range Map
The map below shows the range of the western gray squirrel in North America. The red area indicates the historical range, while the green area indicates the current range. The western gray squirrel is native to the western United States and Mexico, where it occupies a variety of habitats, such as oak woodlands, pine forests, and riparian areas.
In California, these squirrels face several threats that have affected their population.
The western gray squirrel is considered a species of special concern in California, meaning that it is vulnerable to extinction or extirpation. Some of the main threats to the western gray squirrel include habitat loss and fragmentation, competition and predation from invasive squirrels, such as the eastern gray squirrel and the fox squirrel, diseases, such as squirrel pox and mange, and human activities, such as hunting, trapping, and poisoning. To protect and conserve the western gray squirrel, several measures have been taken, such as habitat restoration, population monitoring, and public education.
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#4. Douglas Squirrel
The Douglas squirrel (Tamiasciurus douglasii) is another native tree squirrel that lives in California. It is also found in Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia, Canada. The Douglas squirrel has reddish-brown fur with black stripes on the sides and a long, bushy tail. It can grow up to 14 inches in length, including the tail, and weigh up to 0.5 pounds. The Douglas squirrel is active during the day and feeds on nuts, seeds, cones, and fungi. It also caches food in the ground or in tree cavities for winter use.
Douglas Squirrel Range Map
The map below shows the range of the Douglas squirrel in North America. The red area indicates the historical range, while the green area indicates the current range. The Douglas squirrel is native to the Pacific Northwest, where it occupies coniferous forests, especially those dominated by Douglas-fir, pine, and spruce trees.
Douglas Squirrels are noisy by nature!
One of the most distinctive features of the Douglas squirrel is its loud and varied vocalizations. Douglas squirrels can produce a range of sounds, such as chatters, scolds, barks, whistles, and alarm calls, to communicate with other squirrels, to defend their territories, and to warn of predators. Douglas squirrels are also known to mimic the calls of birds, such as jays, crows, and hawks, which may help them confuse or deter their enemies. The video below shows some examples of the sounds made by Douglas squirrels.
Flying Squirrels
When you think of squirrels, you probably imagine them running and jumping on the ground or in the trees. But did you know that there are some squirrels that can fly? Well, not exactly fly, but glide through the air using a special adaptation called a patagium. A patagium is a fold of skin that stretches from the wrist to the ankle, forming a wing-like membrane that allows the squirrel to glide from one tree to another. Flying squirrels are nocturnal, meaning they are active at night. They feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and even small birds and mammals. They also nest in tree cavities or in nests made of leaves and twigs.
Do flying squirrels actually fly?
As mentioned above, flying squirrels do not actually fly, but glide. They use their patagium to catch the air and control the direction and speed of their gliding. They can glide for distances of up to 90 meters, depending on the height of the launch point. Flying squirrels also use their bushy tails to balance and steer while gliding, and to brake when they land. They are mostly nocturnal animals and use their large eyes to see in the dark. Flying squirrels are found in many parts of the world, such as North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. They live in a variety of habitats, such as forests, woodlands, and urban areas. They are omnivorous and feed on nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, eggs, and even small birds. Flying squirrels are social animals, and often share nests with other squirrels. They communicate with each other using vocalizations and body language. Flying squirrels are amazing creatures that have adapted to their environment in a unique way.
For detailed information on the Mohave Ground Squirrel, a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act, visit the official California Department of Fish and Wildlife website.
FAQs about Squirrels in California
1. Can you have a pet squirrel in California?
No, it is not legal to own a squirrel as a pet in California. Squirrels are considered wild animals and are protected by state law. Owning a pet squirrel without a permit is a misdemeanor offense.
2. Is it legal to kill squirrels in California?
It is legal to kill squirrels in California in some circumstances, but only with a valid hunting license. Squirrels are considered a nuisance species in some areas, and landowners may be able to obtain a permit to kill them if they are causing damage to property or crops. However, it is illegal to kill squirrels for sport or to sell them.
3. Can you own a squirrel in California?
No, it is not legal to own a squirrel in California. Squirrels are considered wild animals and are protected by state law. Owning a pet squirrel without a permit is a misdemeanor offense.
4. Do squirrels hibernate in California?
Some species of squirrels hibernate in California, while others do not. For example, gray squirrels hibernate during the winter months, while ground squirrels do not.
5. How to get rid of ground squirrels in California?
There are a number of ways to get rid of ground squirrels in California. Some methods include trapping and removing the squirrels, using squirrel-proof fencing to keep them out of your yard, and using repellents to discourage them from coming near your property.
