Are there squirrels in Redondo Beach, and do they present problems for some residents?
Yes and yes.
The tree squirrel population is growing due to feeding by residents.
The squirrel population is not controlled by natural predators.
Residents have noted that some squirrels are becoming aggressive to pets and humans.
What diseases may tree squirrels carry?
Tree squirrels may carry:
Rabies (infrequent)
Toxoplasmosis
Sylvatic (bubonic) plague
Western encephalitis
Murine typhus
Tularemia
Endemic relapsing fever
Ringworm
Should I feed the squirrels?
No. Squirrels have few natural enemies in an urban environment, such as Redondo Beach.
Feeding squirrels will artificially support the animal and will result in overbreeding.
The animals will become dependent on humans to survive.
The squirrels may become fearless of humans possibly leading to a child or animal being bitten by a suspected, “friendly” squirrel.
Squirrels are known to carries disease or parasitic animals that carry disease.
Squirrels can torment household pets.
Is this something you want to encourage in your backyard?
What types of squirrels live in Los Angeles County; are they protected in any way?
There are two distinct differences between the three squirrel species in Los Angeles County – two species live in trees and one species lives in the ground.
Squirrels are classified as rodents (similar to rats).
Rodents are a family of mammals.
Some species of California squirrels are protected by law.
What type of ground squirrel lives in Los Angeles County?
The California Ground Squirrel, also known as the Beechy Ground Squirrel
Approximately 18-20 inches tall when full grown
White fringe on the sides and tip of the tail
Dark triangles on the neck
What type of tree squirrels live in Los Angeles County and Redondo Beach?
There are two species native to Los Angeles County
Western Gray Squirrel
Approximately 22 inches tall when full grown
Large bushy tail with white edging
Weigh 1.5 to 2 pounds
Eastern Fox Squirrel
Approximately 29 inches tall wnen full grown
Reddish/orange underside fur
Weigh 3 pounds
Somewhat square head
The Eastern Fox Squirrel is the most seen in Redondo Beach
Do tree squirrels look for shelter locations other than trees?
Tree squirrels traditionally live in tree cavities or they construct nests of twigs, shredded bark and leaves in a tree crotch or branch.
In an urban environment, tree squirrels may also choose to live inside human structures.
I hear squirrels running through my attic, what should I do?
First, it is possible the animal you hear is not a squirrel.
Rats, raccoons and possums are also prone to enter attics and take residence there.
Animals can enter through unsecure, opened vents or structure damage.
Second, you will require professional assistance to trap or move the animals out of your house.
Trapping and pest control services are available online for the Redondo Beach area.
Should I worry about these wild animals living in my attic or under my house?
Yes.
In addition to the damage they can cause to pipes, wiring and your structure, the animals defecate, urinate and store food within your structure.
These animals can carry diseases.
So what should I do to address this problem?
There are specific laws that must be followed when trying to resolve issues with wild animals in your attic or foundation.
Before attempting to capture or deal with the animal without professional help, you should consider the following:
How you will legally dispose of the animal?
What training/experience do you have in capturing a scared animal?
Do you have the appropriate personal protective equipment to clean up the animal’s habitat?
Is the animal protected by law?
Do you have the building expertise to modify your structure to prevent the animals from re-entering?
Still want to do it yourself, conduct your due diligence to ensure you are within the confines of the law.
You must read the laws, rules and regulations of the California Department of Fish and Game.
The Redondo Beach Animal Control will not accept a captured, live animal.
Abandoning a live animal, including a squirrel, may result in criminal charges.
If you decide to use a professional ensure that theyhave:
A California State trapping license
A Redondo Beach business license
Adequate professional services insurance
All other required licensing and certifications
Can squirrels really cause that much damage?
Yes.
Ground Squirrels
Can damage fruit trees, vegetables and ornamental plants.
Can damage young trees by eating bark, twigs and leaves and burrowing around the roots.
Can damage landscaping and undermine structures and slopes causing erosion.
Tree Squirrels
Can damage fruit trees, vegetables and ornamental plants.
Can gnaw on electrical cables, television cables and telephone lines.
Eastern Fox squirrels, common to Redondo Beach, may antagonize house pets and can become aggressive towards humans and pets.
What are the laws protecting Ground Squirrels?
Ground squirrels are classified as nongame animals.
They may be controlled in any manner that is legal and humane by the owner or tenant of a property
If they are causing damage to the property
Contact the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Department, Pest Managment Division.
To request a copy of the Pest Information Series on Ground Squirrels.
What are the laws protecting Western Gray Squirrels?
Western Gray Squirrels may only be trapped under permit by the California Department of Fish and Game.
The owner or tenant of the property must prove that their property is being damaged or is in danger of being damaged.
Fish and Game will issue a permit with the specific number of animals that can be controlled.
The permit will specify that type of trap to be used and whether relocation is an option.
Western Gray Squirrels are classified as game mammals under the Fish and Game Code and can be controlled only as provided by hunting regulations or if causing damage to crops or property under special permit.
What are the laws protecting Eastern Fox Squirrels?
Eastern Fox Squirrels may be trapped with processes similar to the control of Ground Squirrels.
All of the methods are described in detail in the Pest Information Series on tree squirrels available from the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures Department, Pest Managment Division.
Eastern Fox Squirrels are classified as game mammals and can be controlled by using traps and other means by owners, tenants or employees of property if the squirrels are causing damage.
Poisons may not be used to kill Eastern Fox Squirrels.
