Western gray squirrel populations have been declining throughout their range. Recently the California Department of Fish and Game confirmed that the gray squirrel decline in the San Bernardino mountains is being caused by a mange mite, thought to be Notoedres centrifera.
The good news for local residents is that the mite effects only rodents, so dogs and other pets should be safe. The bad news is that the free lunch for squirrels at backyard bird feeders is contributing to the problem, allowing the mite to spread when squirrels gather for a backyard buffet.
The Riverside Press-Enterprise has the news story.
The press release from California Fish and Game has more detail, plus a discussion of other possible causes of the squirrel’s decline.
In other squirrel news, and yes, there is other squirrel news, the squirrel pox that has been killing off native red squirrels in Britain has arrived in Northern Ireland. Squirrel pox was introduced to the region along with North American gray squirrels. The gray squirrels are carriers, and don’t show symptoms. Find the BBC story here.
Photo: Western gray squirrel with no apparent mange symptoms. Click on either of the mange story links for a photo of a symptomatic squirrel. Photo courtesy of California Fish & Game.
It's nearly impossible to find a single healthy Gray Squirrel ANYWHERE in the Big Bear Valley! Ask any resident, and they'll tell you the same.
What is the long-term plan? Once all Gray Squirrels are gone, will Fish & Game reintroduce Gray Squirrels captured from other areas?