California Ground Squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi) is in the Squirrels family (Sciuridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 60,578 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph California Ground Squirrel: observations by month (U.S.)
About California Ground Squirrel
The California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi), is a common and easily observed ground squirrel of the western United States and the Baja California Peninsula; it is common in Oregon and California and its range has relatively recently extended into Washington and northwestern Nevada. Formerly placed in Spermophilus, as Spermophilus beecheyi, it was reclassified in Otospermophilus in 2009 as it became clear that Spermophilus as previously defined was not a natural (monophyletic) group. A full species account...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
California Ground Squirrel by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 59,877 | April | Jan–Nov |
| Nevada | 701 | June | Feb–Oct |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related mammals (Squirrels)
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Fox Squirrel
Eastern Chipmunk
Groundhog
American Red Squirrel
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
Western Gray Squirrel
Yellow-bellied Marmot
Photography tips
- Keep a legal and safe distance: 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other large animals in national parks.
- Dawn and dusk are peak activity times for most mammals.
- Use your car as a blind on wildlife drives.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph California Ground Squirrel?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from January to November.
Where is California Ground Squirrel most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Nevada.