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ground squirrel

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cokezero:
someone told me California ground squirrels aren't edible like tree squirrel, please tell me why. what is it about the meat that you can't eat? just curious.

PeakChick:
If nothing else, ground squirrels are notorious vectors for disease. Here in CO they often are infected with bubonic plague from infested fleas. You shouldn't even handle ground squirrels without long sleves and gloves, if you must handle them

shadow:
I have eaten all kind's of critters but I'm with Peak on them ground nutters, their just nasty little vermin. Just drop em, get a pic and toss em in the burn pile so it doesn't pass any sickness along to the healthy critters. :) Ed

cokezero:
so then how do you know if the game you shoot is safe to eat? besides a visual of whether it looks healthy or not i wouldn't know the difference.

triry:
kinda long,..............but quite informative. in short, ground squirrels are definitely not of the "edible" variety that their tree dwelling cousins are....


CALIFORNIA GROUND SQUIRREL
The California ground squirrel, Spermophilus beecheyi, is one of the most troublesome pests to homeowners and gardeners. It is found in nearly all regions of California except for the Owens Valley southward into the desert regions.

Ground squirrels are easily identified as they forage aboveground near their burrows. The ground squirrel’s head and body measure 9 to 11 inches and its semi-bushy tail adds another 5 to 9 inches in length. The fur is brownish gray dappled with buffy white along the back; the sides of the head and shoulders are light gray to whitish. One subspecies that occupies most of northern California has a dark, triangular-shaped patch on its back between the shoulders; this patch is missing from other species. While ground squirrels are similar in appearance to tree squirrels and may climb trees, when frightened they will always retreat to a burrow, whereas tree squirrels will climb a tree or high structure and never use a burrow.

Ground squirrels live in a wide variety of natural habitats but usually avoid thick chaparral, dense woods, and wet areas. Populations may be particularly high in grazed rangelands and in areas disturbed by humans such as road or ditch banks, fence rows, around buildings, and in or bordering many crops. Ground squirrels live in a burrow system where they sleep, rest, rear young, store food, and avoid danger. The burrow openings are about 4 inches in diameter, but can vary considerably. The burrows may be 5 to 30 feet or more in length and may go 2 to 4 feet below the soil surface. Often there is more than one opening in a burrow system. Ground squirrels live in colonies that may include several dozen animals in a complex of burrows. More than one squirrel may live in a burrow.

Ground squirrels are diurnal, which means they are active during the day. They are most active during mid morning and late afternoon, especially on warm, sunny days. Ground squirrels may have two periods of dormancy during the year. During winter months most ground squirrels hibernate, but some young may be active at this time, especially in areas where winters are not severe. During the hottest time of the year most adults go into a period of inactivity, called estivation, that may last a few days to a week or more. During these periods, the burrow appears open at the entrance but the squirrel plugs it with soil near the nest. Ground squirrels breed once a year, averaging seven to eight per litter. Timing of breeding varies with location: in southern California breeding begins in December, in the Central Valley in February through April, and somewhat later in the mountain ranges. Aboveground activity by adults is at a maximum at the height of the breeding season. The young remain in the burrow about 6 weeks before they emerge, but grow rapidly and by 6 months of age resemble adults.

Ground squirrels are primarily vegetarians. Their diet changes with the seasons. After emergence from hibernation, they feed almost exclusively on green grasses and herbaceous plants. When annual plants begin to dry and produce seed, the squirrels switch to seeds, grains, and nuts, and begin to store food. Ground squirrels usually forage close to their burrows. Their home range typically is within a 75-yard radius of their burrow.

Ground squirrels damage many food-bearing and ornamental plants. Particularly vulnerable are nut and fruit trees such as almond, pistachio, walnut, apple, apricot, peach, prune, orange and tomato plants. Ground squirrels will enter gardens and devour vegetables at the seedling stage. On rare occasions they may damage young shrubs, vines, and trees by gnawing bark, girdling trunks, eating twigs and leaves, and burrowing around roots. Ground squirrels will gnaw on plastic sprinkler heads and irrigation lines. They also eat the eggs of ground-nesting birds and may limit attempts to attract quail around the yard.

Burrowing can be quite destructive. Burrows and mounds make it difficult to mow and harvest, and present hazards to machinery, pedestrians and livestock. Burrows around trees and shrubs can damage and desiccate roots, and sometimes topple trees. Burrows beneath buildings and other man-made structures sometimes necessitate repair or replacement.

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Ground squirrels can harbor diseases harmful to humans, particularly when squirrel populations are dense. A major concern is bubonic plague transmitted to humans by fleas carried on the squirrels. Ground squirrels are susceptible to plague, which has wiped out entire colonies. If you find unusual numbers of squirrels or other rodents dead for no apparent reason, notify public health officials. Do not handle the carcasses. Ground squirrels are classified as nongame mammals by the California Fish and Game Code. Nongame mammals injuring growing crops or other property may be controlled in any manner by the owner or tenant; tree squirrels, on the other hand, are classified as game animals and have a hunting season.

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Management
The selection of control procedures is heavily influenced by the unique life cycle and behavior of the ground squirrel. For example, baiting with treated grain is effective in summer and fall because squirrels primarily feed on seeds during this period. Similarly, fumigation is most effective in spring when squirrels are active and before they produce young.

Trapping
Traps are practical devices for control when ground squirrel numbers are low to moderate. Live-catch traps are effective, but present the problem of how to dispose of the live animals. Because ground squirrels carry disease and are agricultural pests, the California Fish and Game Code specifies that it is illegal to release them elsewhere.

There are several types of traps that kill ground squirrels. Most types work best if you place them on the ground near squirrel burrows or runways. Walnuts, almonds, oats, barley, and melon rinds are attractive trap baits. Place bait well behind the trigger or tied to it. Bait the traps but do not set them for several days so the squirrels become accustomed to them. After the squirrels are used to taking the bait, rebait and set the traps. Inspect traps at least once a day and remove dead squirrels. Do not handle the carcasses without protective gear. Use a plastic bag slipped over each hand and arm as a glove. Once the squirrel is removed from the trap, hold the animal with one hand and turn the bag inside out over the carcass. If possible, keep small children and pets out of the area while traps are in use.

Fumigation
Fumigation is a relatively safe method of control. As with any pesticide, read and follow label instructions with particular regard for nontarget species and safety factors. With some fumigants, flames may be produced, creating a fire danger. Do not use such fumigants where a significant fire hazard exists. To avoid the accumulation of fumes in enclosed areas, never fumigate beneath buildings or in burrows that may open under occupied buildings. Fumigation is most effective in spring or other times when soil moisture is high, which helps to contain the gas within the burrow system. Do not fumigate in summer or when the soil is dry because the gas more readily diffuses into small cracks present in dry soil. Do not fumigate during hibernation because the squirrel plugs its burrow with soil, preventing fumes from reaching the nest chamber.

Toxic Baits
Anticoagulant baits, available at county agricultural commissioners’ offices, are recommended for controlling ground squirrels. To be effective, anticoagulants must be consumed in several feedings over a period of 5 or more days.

Anticoagulant baits can be used in bait stations or by repeated spot baiting. Bait stations contain sufficient bait for repeated feedings and are the preferred method around homes and other areas where children, pets, and poultry are present.

For those who live next to wildlands or other areas where squirrels are common, an ongoing control program will be necessary. Squirrels will reinvade over time. Once ground squirrels have been controlled, periodically monitor the area for reinfestation. Check for new burrows. Start control actions as soon as new squirrels are noticed. It is easier and less expensive to control a population before it builds up.

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