Squirrels

July 13, 2023

Question: What can I do about tree squirrels eating fruit on my backyard trees? Can I kill them?

Answer: Tree squirrels can certainly be a challenge this time of year as fruit starts to ripen. CDFW’s Human-Wildlife Conflict Toolkit ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/HWC-Program#551962537 ) is a great resource for information on proactive techniques and tools to prevent conflict and/or property damage. Note that regulations for taking tree squirrels are different than those for taking ground squirrels. The information below applies to tree squirrels.

Tree squirrels are classified as a game species and a depredation permit may be required before lethal take can occur, per California Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 4181. You can request a depredation permit by contacting a CDFW regional office ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/regions ) or submitting a report through CDFW’s Wildlife Incident Reporting (WIR) system ( https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir ). Be prepared to show photographic evidence of the property damage.

Residents should identify the species of squirrel causing property damage. California is home to both native gray squirrels and nonnative red fox squirrels. A depredation permit is not required to take red fox squirrels that have caused property damage. Red fox squirrels causing property damage may be taken at any time, per California Fish and Game Code (FGC) section 4152. However, local restrictions on methods of take may apply. For example, many communities prohibit the discharge of firearms in certain areas. It is a resident's responsibility to abide by any local restrictions that apply. Pellet guns and air rifles may also be a potential method of take depending on local regulations.

Because the regulations for taking squirrels are somewhat complex, you may consider hiring a licensed trapper or humane pest control company to help.

For information on hunting squirrels visit CDFW’s small game mammal hunting web page ( https://wildlife.ca.gov/hunting/small-game ).

Pop um, eat um, YUM!!! 

Pop um, eat um, YUM!!! 

I heard they taste like chicken 

We used to eat them, and they are very tasty, but I don't think I'll be able to convince my wife to eat a rodent...

You can get one of these guys:

I brought home squirrel once, kids and I had fun popping them...but I was the only one eating.

Had squirl as a young teen on a hunting pack-in trip.

Big grey squirrels. From what i remember...... They were tasty little morsels.

You can get one of these guys:

Awesome video--squirrels are enemy #1. Fortunately, the local squirrels are the non-native type, so I kill them every chance I get. This trap works well for me:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K6JKVLS

The only negative is that it once trapped a small skunk, and some animal then dragged away the trap (with skunk inside), and I could not find it. It stunk BAD for weeks. I did eventually recover the trap, and it's continued to produce results (no more skunks, thankfully).

Nowhere Man,

I just got that same trap. Any tips of how you set/place/bait it for good results on squirrels.

Thanks!

Nowhere Man,

I just got that same trap. Any tips of how you set/place/bait it for good results on squirrels.

Thanks!

We have a large crawl space that squirrels always seem to find, so I just leave it there, baited with peanut better (it also gets a jumbo rat on occasion). Squirrels are actually pretty smart and cautious, but the peanut butter eventually gets them to commit.

I read somewhere that if you set a 2x4 or 2x6 at a 45 degree angle, squirrels can't resist climbing on it. I've never felt the need to try that, but it might be worth considering if they otherwise avoid the trap.