Have you ever wondered where the squirrels came from that you see in the trees or your yard around your Los Angeles home or business? In the Greater LA area, there are two general types of squirrels: tree squirrels and ground squirrels.

Types of Tree Squirrels

There are two different species of tree squirrels you can encounter in LA. The first one is the California gray squirrel and the other is the Eastern fox squirrel. Gray squirrels are native to California, while fox squirrels were “imported” to the area in the early 1900s.

Both species live in trees and other elevated areas. They are active year-round. Gray squirrels primarily eat nuts, berries, certain vegetables, and other vegetation. Fox squirrels, on the other hand, will eat just about anything since they adapt to their environment.

Both species have also been known to chew on electrical and cable lines and plastic plumbing lines. They can get into attics through vents and other access points. Of the two species, fox squirrels tend to be more aggressive.

Types of Ground Squirrels

There is only one type of ground squirrel in the LA area, the California ground squirrel, which is native to the state. This species of squirrel likes living in burrows they dig into the ground. However, they have been known to also live in crawl spaces, attics, and other indoor spaces where they can hide.

Ground squirrels eat insects, fruit, nuts, and other vegetation. Unlike tree squirrels, ground squirrels will hibernate and spend between six and eight months in their burrows.

Safe Squirrel Removal in Los Angeles

If squirrels are becoming a nuisance around your home or business, or they have taken up residence indoors, it is essential to use safe squirrel removal services. You should never use poisons, as these can hurt other animals if they eat the dead squirrel.

For safe and humane squirrel removal in the Greater Los Angeles area, please feel free to contact Animal Capture Wildlife Control at (310) 551-0901 today!