Rock Squirrel Captured on Hidden Camera

Over a course of a few months we've noticed the signs of a ground burrowing creature digging under the foundation and slab of our project house. We fill back in the hole with the dirt surrounding the hose. By the next day the hole is open again.

Not knowing what creature is hard at work under the slab, we placed a hidden camera close by. The camera captured the image of our unwanted house guest. It's a 'Rock Squirrel', the largest of the ground squirrels. "Rock squirrel burrows are generally found around rocky areas and in residential areas they are often dug under cement slabs and pool decks. They are true omnivores, feeding on seeds, mesquite beans, insects, eggs, birds, carrion, as well as cactus fruit." They will even kill rattlesnakes!

"Upon encountering a snake, a rock squirrel will stamp its feet and wave its tail from side to side while facing the snake. It also tries to flick sand or dirt in the snake’s face with its front paws. This behavior is called mobbing. Researchers in California note that rock squirrels can distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes, and change their mobbing behavior accordingly."

We plan to  capture and release this squirrel somewhere else. As cute as it is, we don't want it digging under the house foundation and slab. "The Rock Squirrel is not only persistent and annoying, it is destructive. Fortunately, they are easy to trap alive and remove. Rock Squirrels should not be allowed to proliferate. Records show trapping catch at one home yielded 42 squirrels during one summer." Yikes!

Prevention is 'COYOTE URINE'. If it's not one thing it's something else. How to encourage coyotes to urinate on and around the house?

Night visitors at the rock squirrel's entrance.....