Each spring, a new range of terrestrial squirrels heads towards the surface of the Palisades park, finally used to people and their delicious documents.
But the city of Santa Monica reminds the public not to feed them. There are even red and white signs that say that people who nourish local fauna “creates an imbalance in indigenous ecology” as they become dependent on humans.
There are, of course, a multitude of other problems associated with the food of small rodents. They carry parasites and diseases such as bubonic plague, rabies and Lyme disease which can be transmitted to people while nourishing them. Their excrement also has a health risk.
Then there is what they can do on the earth. Although the California terrestrial squirrel is from the region, its crap can contribute to coastal erosion, in particular along the cliffs above the road on the Côte du Pacific.
The 26 -acres seaside park is at the top of the bluffs and is strongly used by residents and visitors, many who stop to admire the rodents on all fours and feed them.
“We are starting to see more terrestrial squirrels in Palisades Park every spring,” said Tati Simonian, spokesperson for the city of Santa Monica. “Like advice in many parks and as he says on signaling in the park, we ask visitors not to feed the squirrels.”
The terrestrial squirrels of this park have long been a problem for the city, which was cited by the county for overcrowding And has tried a number of removal methods, including poison, gas and euthanasia, animal rights groups.
In 2007, the city planned to control the population of terrestrial squirrels by giving them Birth control plans.
Despite these efforts, the population of terrestrial squirrels continues to grow in this progressive city.
But Santa Monica is not the only community that takes care of these creatures.
In 2019, a lack of predators allowed the population of terrestrial squirrels to grow at the very Hermanos Ranch in Chino Hills. In San Pedro, a Fermin Park point, residents and visitors have excessively fueled earth squirrels that its population has increased in recent years.
In San Diego last year, residents said they saw more than the usual number of terrestrial squirrels, notably in Liberty Station.
California Daily Newspapers
