Information for pest management professionals and pesticide applicators Green Bulletin Vol. 5 l No. 1 l May 2015 Tree Squirrels: Identification and Management quirrels can be problem pests in many throughout much of California, S landscapes, gardens, and structures. primarily in oak woodlands of the California is home to several species foothills and valleys and in pine/oak of squirrels which can be divided into forests. The western gray squirrel is three groups: tree squirrels, ground gray above with distinct white under- squirrels, and flying squirrels. While parts and prominent ears. They are ground squirrels and some species distinguished from the eastern gray of tree squirrels can be pests, flying and other squirrel species by their squirrels are very elusive and not con- very long bushy tails that are primarily sidered pests. gray with white-frosted outer edges. Figure 1. Western gray squirrel. There are four species of tree squirrels Eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus (Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles © California Academy of Sciences) in California (Table 1); two species are carolinensis) (Figure 2) were originally native and two are introduced from introduced from the eastern United the eastern part of the United States. States into Golden Gate Park in San Although it is easy to distinguish the Francisco, California. They are also different squirrel groups from each established in areas of Calaveras and other, often it is difficult to tell the San Joaquin counties in California and difference between the species within may be expanding their range. They the groups; this is especially true for can be variable in color. As their name the tree squirrels. Regulations regard- suggests, they have a mostly gray coat ing management of tree squirrels are but some have a distinct reddish tint. complicated, so it is extremely impor- Eastern gray squirrels are medium- tant to be able to identify squirrels to sized, with relatively narrow tails and Figure 2. Eastern gray squirrel. species level. short ears as compared to western (J. P. Clark, UC) gray squirrels. Tree Squirrel Species Eastern fox squirrels (Sciurus niger) Native western gray squirrels (Sci- (Figure 3) were also introduced from urus griseus) (Figure 1) are found the eastern part of the United States and are well established in most major cities of California. Fox squir- WHAT’S INSIDE… rels can be identified by their grizzled yellow-brown to orange coat, tan to Spring Monitoring for | Page 4 reddish-brown underside, and bright Turf Insects orange-brown ears. The fox squirrel, often incorrectly referred to as the Online Course for | Page 5 Figure 3. Eastern fox squirrel. Healthy Schools Act red squirrel by residents of Califor- (C. Christie, Baker City, OR) nia, is visually distinguishable from Herbicide Symptoms | Page 7 the native western gray squirrel; the Database …continued on page 2 SIGN UP…for a free subscription to the Green Bulletin at http://ucanr.edu/subscribegreenbulletin Tree Squirrels …continued from page 1 western gray squirrel is slightly larger, those in possession of a valid hunting has silver-gray fur with creamy white license from the California Depart- underparts, and has a notably bushier ment of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). tail. The hunting season occurs in the fall but can vary between zones (§307). Native Douglas squirrels (Tamiasci- urus douglasii) (Figure 4), sometimes There is a bag limit of four squirrels called chickarees, are found in mostly per day. Hunting western gray squir- conifer-forested regions of the north rels is not permitted in several coun- coastal area and along the Sierra ties and zones in California (§307). In Nevada mountain region. These very many areas of California, where it is Figure 4. Native Douglas squirrel. vocal, native tree squirrels are not usu- legal to take squirrels during the gen- (C. Christie, Baker City, OR) ally considered pests. However, they eral season, it is illegal to take them by may become garden or home pests in archery and falconry. The areas where ammunition should be removed and some more remote rural areas. it is legal to use these methods can disposed of in a manner that will also be found in section 307. not leave them open to scavenging Management and Regulations wildlife. There are several methods authorized First and foremost, it is illegal to use for the taking of western gray squir- The above regulations also cover all poison baits in the management of rels under the stipulations of the Code the other species of tree squirrels in ANY species of tree squirrel in Cali- and county and city ordinances. Please California. Eastern fox squirrels, also fornia. Of the four tree squirrels, the consult section 311 of the Code for covered under this legislation, may eastern fox squirrel is considered to these legal methods which include a be trapped by any legal means if they be the most serious pest to homes and range of firearms and other options. are shown to be causing damage to gardens in urban and suburban envi- Remember it is often illegal to dis- crops or property. If land or property ronments. Fox squirrels that are found charge firearms in cities and even in is being damaged or destroyed, or is in to be injuring growing crops or other unincorporated areas. Please contact danger of being damaged or destroyed property may be taken at any time or your local sheriff for more informa- by a western gray squirrel or an east- in any manner in accordance with the tion. Please see section 311 of the ern gray squirrel, then the owner or California Fish and Wildlife Code and Code, “Methods Authorized for Tak- tenant of that land or property may Regulations (henceforth called “the ing Resident Small Game” for more apply to the CDFW for a depreda- Code”). Only eastern fox squirrels can information on the use of firearms and tion permit which will allow for the be killed without a hunting license or bow and arrow. killing of the squirrel. The CDFW will permit. designate the type of trap to be used CDFW has prohibited the use of lead to insure the most humane method Several types of kill traps are useful for projectiles in some firearms in the is used to trap gray squirrels. Under fox squirrel removal, but they must be California condor range. Generally, the terms of the depredation permit, set in a way that will not accidentally when people shoot nongame animals it may be required to release trapped trap nontarget animals. Live-catch they leave them behind and this can squirrels in parks or other nonagricul- cage traps are also available, but once be hazardous for scavengers like the tural areas. It is not permitted to use caught the squirrel must be disposed California condor. Currently, the use any type of poisons to take a western of, presenting a problem for some of lead ammunition is permitted for gray squirrel, even when in the pos- people. Because releasing an eastern the taking of small game animals such session of a depredation permit. fox tree squirrel is illegal, live-catch as tree squirrels. However, bill AB 711 traps are not recommended. For more would instead require, as soon as is Remember, any trapper for hire must information on trapping tree squirrels practical but by no later than July 1, possess a valid trapping license from check out the UC IPM Pest Notes: Tree 2019 the use of nonlead ammunition the CDFW when trapping any squirrel Squirrels. for the taking of all wildlife, including species for profitable gains. A valid hunting license is required for sport Western gray squirrels are not gen- game mammals, game birds, non- May 2015 May game birds, and nongame mammals, hunting of tree squirrels also. How- | erally considered as pests of home, ever, if a landowner legally shoots a gardens, or agriculture but they may with any firearm. Given the associ- depredating eastern fox squirrel out- be occasional forestry pests. In many ated risks to scavenging wildlife, tree side of the hunting season, a hunting counties in California, they can be squirrels should be shot with non-lead ammunition. Squirrels shot with lead license would not be required. taken in the general hunting season by …continued on page 3 Page 2 Page Tree Squirrels …continued from page 2 While uncommon occurrences, tree eastern and western gray squirrels, that is what the Code says, and it is squirrels can be associated with patho- eastern fox squirrels, and the Doug- important to follow it. Information gens that can potentially be harmful to las squirrel. Details of the hunting on depredation permits for eastern humans. Under the Code, tree squir- areas and season for tree squirrels and western gray squirrels can be rels that are associated with dangerous can be found in chapter 2, §307. found in section 4181. disease outbreaks may be taken by Look out for differences in zones, as appointed organizations. See section well as counties, and for differences For more information on tree squirrel management, consult the UC IPM Pest 4011 for a list of organizations to con- between general hunting and taking tact in such a case. Notes: Tree Squirrels at http://www. using falconry and bow and arrow. ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/ “Breaking” the Fish and Wild- pn74122.html and the California life Code for Tree Squirrel Man- • The regulations that govern taking of tree squirrels can be found in sec- Department of Fish and Wildlife Code agement at http://www.fgc.ca.gov/regulations/ tion 311. The CDFW’s Fish and Game Code current/mammalregs.aspx#307. is certainly very difficult to navigate. • In the Code, reference to “gray - Niamh M. Quinn, Verte- Here are a few things to remember that squirrels” means both eastern and will help you “break” through the code: brate Pest Advisor, Los Angeles, western gray squirrels.