squirrels

Questions about controlling gophers, moles, squirrels and other critters in your garden? Master Gardeners Gil Patrick and Bonnie Wagner will discuss these and any other animals pests that you have questions about.

By Sandra Todd

Ground Squirrels are classified as non-game mammals by the California Fish and Game Code. As such, they may be controlled in any legal manner. However, their range overlaps in some areas with other animals classified as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, such as the Mohave ground squirrel, the San Joaquin antelope squirrel, kit fox, kangaroo rats, the riparian brush rabbit, the riparian wood rat, as well as some endangered amphibians and reptiles. These animals are protected. As their existence could be impacted by some squirrel control techniques, it is important to contact your county agricultural commissioner for additional information before using such methods as fumigation and baiting.

Santa Clara County has several species of tree squirrels: the native Western Grey and Douglas squirrels, and the introduced Eastern Grey and Red Fox squirrels. Most tree squirrels are classified as game mammals by the California Fish and Game Code, and are protected. They can only be taken (killed) during hunting season. However, the most common as well as the most troublesome tree squirrel is the red fox squirrel, and this is not protected. It may be taken at any time and in any manner the land owner or tenant chooses that is legal. It is not legal to discharge any firearms, bee bee guns, pellet guns or slingshots in Santa Clara cities, suburbs or unincorporated suburban area of the county. It is legal to shoot the above mentions arms in unincorporated rural areas with permission of the sheriff.