We live in a wild world filled with curious creatures large and small. One of the greatest things that nature does for us is provides free entertainment day in and day out; if you’re willing to take the time and sit back and observe. It can be at peace or chaotic, filled with noise or completely silent. When you do take your time to stop, look, and listen - there’s always something going on in the wilderness and outside our personal bubble that is worth while.

California ground squirrels, also known as Beechey ground squirrels (named after ship captain Frederick Beechey who explored much of California in the 1820’s), are everything you want out of nature. They’re cute, energetic, silly, and have so much character. It’s not just the same character over and over - each one has a different personality; kind of like dogs.

Enjoy this compilation I shot and put together on the California Ground Squirrel.

California Ground Squirrel Facts:

California Ground Squirrels are found in Washington, Oregon, and California.
They can live up to six years in the wild.
They prefer to live in self-dug burrows located along plains, small meadows, tree-covered hillsides, rocky outcrops, and granite taluses.
While some burrows may be occupied communally, each individual squirrel has its own entrance.
They tend to stay within 100 feet of their burrow and primarily feed on seeds like oats, but also go after insects like crickets and grasshoppers, as well as various fruits.
California Ground Squirrels use their cheek pouches to store more food than they can consume and will eat it at a later date.
Females are promiscuous and can mate with multiple partners in one litter, which consists of 5 to 11 young and only takes one month of gestation.
Female squirrels will chew on the shed skins of rattlesnakes and then lick themselves and their pups to disguise their scent.
When they touch noses, it's a way to determine friend, family or foe, and decide if they are worth protecting.
California Ground Squirrels use a variety of sounds, including a high-pitched alarm call when they feel threatened that can last several minutes.
They are preyed upon by a range of animals, including red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, coyotes, foxes, badgers, weasels, house cats, dogs, and snakes.