California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi)
At times it was hard to tell whether we were enjoying the wildlife or they were studying us. Many of the squirrels at Yosemite appeared to be more curious than afraid. Perhaps they have been acclimated to the presence of people or a worse scenario would involve their previous feedings by visitors. At the Grand Canyon we were surprised to learn that more people were injured by squirrels than any other animal; bites!
Yosemite is the home to no less than six different types of squirrels including the California ground squirrel pictured above:
Belding’s ground squirrel (Urocitellus beldingi)
California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi)
Golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis)
Chickaree (Tamiasciurus douglasii)
Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus)
Western gray squirrel (Sciurus griseus)
Unlike a number of squirrel species, the California ground squirrel has a spotted pattern in its fur which is quite interesting.
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
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Meta Data – Day 57 YOY – Year of Yosemite
File Name: 0148.NEF
Capture time: 1:57:22 PM
Capture date: June 5, 2016
Exposure: 1/15 sec @ f/13
Focal Length: 55mm
ISO 200
Nikon D3300