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Species of squirrel? #839650

Asked July 08, 2023, 4:37 PM EDT

Greetings. I have three squirrels visiting my yard and enjoying bird seed. I suspect the three are related, and all have a black patch on the back. I have looked in guides and online but have not found any descriptions that seem to fit. The closest I have come is that some young western (?) grey squirrels are born black and some have variations in color. Do you know what these little guys are? Thank you. Tom

Lincoln County Oregon

Expert Response

Hello Tom:

Thanks for your question.  Your photos are of California Ground Squirrels.  See a photo and description at this link: https://myodfw.com/wildlife-viewing/species/squirrels-chipmunks-and-marmots

You have a nice patio, garden and lawn and your ground squirrels may become a nuisance.  If that is the case, this link may assist you in thinking about how to manage wildlife conflicts: https://extension.oregonstate.edu/video/dueling-diggers-gophers-moles-voles-ground-squirrels   Information about ground squirrels starts at 39:18 on the video.

Have a great summer!



Dan Edge Replied July 10, 2023, 1:21 PM EDT
Thank you!

Sent from my iPad

On Jul 10, 2023, at 10:21 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied July 10, 2023, 2:48 PM EDT

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