The Squirrel Squad: How Many Nutty Neighbors Do You Have in California?
Ever looked out your window and seen a furry flash darting between trees? That, my friend, was probably a squirrel – but which kind? California, the land of sunshine, beaches, and...well, a surprising number of squirrel varieties! Buckle up, because we're about to crack open the nut on the Golden State's resident acrobats.
The Native Nutcases: OG Squirrels of Cali
California boasts five native tree squirrel species. These guys are the original bushy-tailed bros, chilling in the state long before Hollywood and avocado toast. Here's a quick rundown of our Cali crew:
- Western Gray Squirrel: The quintessential California squirrel. Think charming good looks and a penchant for acorns – this is your poster child.
- Douglas Squirrel: A little smaller than the Western Gray, these rust-colored rascals prefer pine forests. They're basically the mountain bikers of the squirrel world, always on the lookout for a good climb.
- Northern Flying Squirrel: Now these guys are the daredevils. They have furry flaps that allow them to glide between trees, like a living, breathing Frisbee made of cuteness.
But wait, there's more! California also has ground squirrels – little burrow-dwelling bandits with adorable (but slightly creepy) buck teeth. We're talking about the California Ground Squirrel, the Antelope Ground Squirrel (not actually an antelope, shocker!), and a few others.
The Introduced Invaders: The Shady Side of Squirrelly Society
California has a welcoming spirit, but sometimes that extends to wildlife too. We've got two non-native tree squirrel species that snuck in and decided to make themselves at home:
- Eastern Gray Squirrel: These aggressive interlopers are pushing out the Western Grays in some areas. Think of them as the bullies of the playground, stealing acorns and kicking sand in the faces of our native squirrels.
- Eastern Fox Squirrel: The jocks of the squirrel world. Bigger and bolder than most California squirrels, they're all about territory and dominance.
So, how many squirrel species are there in California? Hold on, gotta crunch the numbers...between the natives and the newcomers, we're looking at a grand total of seven squirrel species scampering around the Golden State.
There you have it, folks! The next time you see a squirrel, you can impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of California's bushy-tailed inhabitants. Remember, whether they're native or not, squirrels are an important part of the ecosystem – just try not to let them steal your snacks (unless it's entertaining, in which case, grab some popcorn and enjoy the show!).
