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The Story Behind the Squirrels

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How Squirrels Came West

Why these introduced squirrels are here — how Americans built nature into their cities, and California inherited it.

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Squirrel Photo Library

A growing visual reference of California tree squirrel photos — organized by species, with open-licensed images from iNaturalist.

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Native vs Introduced

Which of California's squirrels belong here, which were brought in, and why the distinction matters.

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Living With Squirrels

Feeding, deterrents, attics, and what's legal when squirrels and people share space.

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Common Questions

Quick answers to the questions visitors ask most — myths, look-alikes, and common concerns.

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Resources

Helpful guides and links — starting with what to do if you find a baby squirrel.

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Featured story

Fox squirrels in a tree — California's introduced urban squirrels

The Bigger Story

How Squirrels Came West

California’s Eastern Gray and Fox Squirrels did not arrive by accident. Why are these introduced squirrels here? The surprising answer is a story about how Americans deliberately built nature into their cities — and how California inherited that invention.

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