Ground Squirrel and Prairie Dog Solutions

Is it a Plague Infected Ground Squirrel or a Zombie?   Okay, so this isn't a photo of the ground squirrel with the plague.   Wouldn't it be cool if it was?   Scary squirrels might prevent people from trying to pet  or feed them. A zombie-looking ground squirrel would also make identifying those infected with the plague easier. The squirrel could be removed and the area could be quarantined and treated.   When it comes to the plague, the fleas are the real bad guys - the ground squirrels just happen to be the carriers. This week, parts of the Angeles National Forest were shut down and campgrounds closed because a plague infected ground squirrel was discovered. People were forced to change their summer vacation plans so the ground squirrel burrows and area could be dusted for fleas. For more info see the article from the LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-p...

Did you know that California Fish and Game Code specifies it is illegal to release ground squirrels elsewhere without a written permit [11, 18, 20]?    Ground Squirrels are considered agricultural pests.   More Facts about Ground Squirrels:   That might be a "ground" squirrel up in that tree. They are excellent climbers. During 1 season, a pair of ground squirrels and their offspring can remove about ¼ acre of wheat or alfalfa. 20 squirrels eat as much as one grazing sheep. 200 squirrels eat as much as a 1,000 pound steer foraging on grazing land. In California, ground squirrels cause $30 to $50 million per year in agricultural and other damage Ground Squirrels are opportunistic feeders: Grains:   alfalfa, wheat, oats, rye, and barley Fruits:   apples apricots, peaches, prunes, oranges, and tomatoes Nuts:   walnuts, pistachios, and almonds. V...