California Ground Squirrel
Scientific Name: Otospermophilus beecheyi
The California Ground Squirrel, Otospermophilus beecheyi, is a common sight in open habitats throughout Huntington Beach, California. These small rodents have sandy-brown fur with lighter underparts and a distinctive white stripe on each side of their body. Ground squirrels are active year-round, though they may hibernate during the coldest months. They construct elaborate burrow systems in sandy soil, where they seek shelter and store food. Ground squirrels feed on a variety of plant material, seeds, and occasionally insects.
Please help protect the ground squirrels along the bike path near the coastline. The sprinklers have been turned off and vegetation has died. Can we make them a protected species, as Arizona and Nevada has done?
This is actually not something that we control, nor have any influence over. If you are passionate about the issue, we encourage to speak with the city officials.
Hello, I’m a Huntington Beach local for decades and I’m trying to find out who approved the city of poisoning and killing of the ground squirrels from 11th St. to the Cliffs in Huntington Beach along the boardwalk around last week July8th 2025 or so My understanding is 97% of the squirrels were poisoned from the city, Do you have any information on this why did this happen ? I appreciate it thank you. Eric
Similarly to our comment above, this is something that the city controls and we encourage you to speak with them directly.
On July 6th, 2025 the City poisoned the cliffs to rid them of ground squirrels. The problem is that they pumped gas into the holes and contaminated the soil, which left hundreds of rotting carcasses in the ground. This was cruel for the environment in a myriad of ways. Can we fight this so it doesn’t happen again.
Similarly to our comment above, this is something that the city controls and we encourage you to speak with them directly.