The California Endangered Species Act makes it illegal to kill, harm or otherwise "take" a listed species. Intentional poisoning of an endangered species is a crime. In addition to poisoning, the intentional drowning of all squirrels is illegal in California, unfortunately people do this, and it too, is a crime. All crimes may be reported to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife - Wildlife Incident Reporting or call CALTIP 1-888-334-CALTIP this is an anonymous hotline.
The Mohave Ground Squirrel has been listed as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act since 1985 primarily due to habitat loss. While it may look similar to a white tailed antelope squirrel, the defining features are in the folded ears and angular face. The species only inhabits the Mohave Desert and very little current information is available on their current population.
All squirrels contribute and are essential to the ecosystem. They bury seeds thus producing more plant life. They keep a current ecosystem thriving.
Please don't use poison, while a squirrel cannot fit its whole body into a bait box, they can fit their heads in within reach to the poison.
The Desert Tortoise is a wonder to behold. This beloved creature has been on the planet approximately 15 billion years. The tortoise was placed on both the California and Federal Endangered Species Lists in 1989 and 1990 and is considered threatened. With the increase of development, habitat loss, an influx of Ravens who consume tortoise hatchlings and more roads which lead to road kill, the desert tortoise has incredible challenges.
The use of rodenticide poses many problems for the Desert Tortoise. Lizards who enter bait boxes and ingest poison carry it in their liver thus dispersing it on rocks and plants throughout the habitat contaminating areas for the desert tortoise. Snakes who ingest poisoned rats, mice and white tailed antelope squirrels carry the poison in their livers. Just like lizards, they will spread the poison throughout the environment also contaminating the areas for the desert tortoise.
Let us join together and keep the desert ecosystem clean for the desert tortoise, so they may stay healthy and continue to multiply.
The California Mountain Lion is currently a candidate for the Endangered Species Act, which is under review through the California Endangered Species Act Petition. Due to population growth, habitat loss and the majority of lions dying due to poison ingestion of rats and mice.
“Rodenticides are deadly for California’s mountain lions and other precious wildlife across the state,” said Governor Newsom. The Governor signed AB 1788 prohibiting the use of second generation anti-coagulant rodenticides. Unfortunately, there are still other rodenticides used that are just as toxic. While the California Mountain lion holds the same protections as a threatened species, rodenticides are still in use. Please support your local mountain lion and go poison free.
For continued species survival the dependence on our joined humanity through the practice of kindness towards all wildlife, will support and ensure their survival for decades to come. Please practice humane measures. The wildlife not only depend on each other, but are depending on us to support their survival.
This beautiful baby tortoise was seen on 08/31/23 at an Airbnb by the West Entrance to Joshua Tree National Park, The Joshua Tree Highlands. Tortoises will take shade under vehicles, so always check under your car prior to driving.