Expert: Stephen Vantassel - 6/10/2008

Question
QUESTION: I live in the AZ desert on 3 acres. What I thought were cute little ground squirrels are now becoming aggressive and entering our fenced house yard. I haven't found a pic on the internet that looks like them. They have holes all over the property that they duck into. We have an aviary that is attracting them. How can I keep these critters at a distance? They are fun to watch playing with each other but I don't want them so close. Would the pellets or sprays used to detract cats and dogs from areas work?

Thanks for any information you can give.

ANSWER: Don't waste your time or money with repellents. They won't work.

I doubt you have woodchucks but you might. I am thinking you have some other ground squirrel. Since I don't know what you have, I can't be more specific on control advice. So I will have to direct you to our website. There is tons of info there, and its is all free. http://icwdm.org

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: After researching further. I think we have Round Tailed Ground Squirrels.

Answer

You can visit

http://www.icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/FranklinSquirrels.asp  to learn options on how to control this species.  

Be sure to check your state laws as to whether lethal control is legal.

Arizona Game & Fish http://www.gf.state.az.us/ http://www.agfc.state.ar.us/

Arizona Game & Fish http://www.azgfd.gov/

Urban Wildlife Specialist 602-942-3000