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The California Ground Squirrel, Spermophilus beecheyi (referred to in some older sources as Otospermophilus beecheyi), is a common and easily observed ground squirrel of the western United States and Baja California; it is common in Oregon and California and its range has relatively recently extended into Washington.
The squirrel's upperparts are mottled, the fur containing a mixture of gray, light brown and dusky hairs; the underside is lighter, buff or grayish yellow. The fur around the eyes is whitish, while that around the ears is black. Head and body are about 30cm long and the tail an additional 15cm. The tail is relatively bushy for a ground squirrel, and at a quick glance the squirrel might be mistaken for a fox squirrel.
As is typical for ground squirrels, California Ground Squirrels live in burrows which they excavate themselves. Some burrows are occupied communally. Although they readily become tame in areas used by humans, and quickly learn to take food left or offered by picnickers, they spend most of their time within 25 metres of their burrow, and rarely go further than 50 metres from it.
California Ground Squirrels are frequently preyed on by rattlesnakes. Recent research by scientists at the University of California, Davis has shown that the squirrels attempt to repel the snakes by heating their tails, so as to emit infra-red radiation that the snakes detect through their pit organ, which is the sensory system they primarily rely on when hunting.
In the colder parts of their range, California Ground Squirrels hibernate for several months, but where winters are mild some squirrels are active year round. In those parts where the summers are hot they may also estivate for periods of a few days.
California Ground Squirrels are often regarded as a pest in gardens and parks, since they will feed off ornamental plants and trees.
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