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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. ==Description== The squirrel's upper parts are mottled, the fur containing a mixture of gray, light brown and dusky hairs; the underside is lighter, buff or grayish yellow. The fur around the eyes is whitish, while that around the ears is black. Head and body are about long and the tail an additional . The tail is relatively bushy for a ground squirrel, and at a quick glance the squirrel might be mistaken for a fox squirrel.〔(Animal Diversity Web )〕 As is typical for ground squirrels, California ground squirrels live in burrows which they excavate themselves. Some burrows are occupied communally but each individual squirrel has its own entrance. Although they readily become tame in areas used by humans, and quickly learn to take food left or offered by picnickers, they spend most of their time within of their burrow, and rarely go further than from it.〔 In the colder parts of their range, California ground squirrels hibernate for several months, but in areas where winters have no snow, most squirrels are active year round. In those parts where the summers are hot they may also estivate for periods of a few days.〔Linsdale, J. (1946). The California ground squirrel. Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California press.〕 California ground squirrels are often regarded as a pest in gardens and parks, since they will eat ornamental plants and trees. They commonly feed on seeds, such as oats, but also eat insects such as crickets and grasshoppers as well as various fruits. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「California ground squirrel」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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