Editing Ground squirrel (section)

=== Defense mechanisms ===
Ground squirrels have developed several defense mechanisms to protect themselves from predators. When threatened, they emit high-pitched warning calls to alert others in their colony. This alarm call serves as an early warning system, allowing nearby squirrels to seek cover. The squirrels spend about one-third of their time standing to watch and when a predator is in sight, they stop and watch 60% of the time.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=van der Marel |first1=Annemarie |last2=Marel |first2=Annemarie van der |last3=Waterman |first3=Jane M. |last4=López-Darias |first4=Marta |date=2021-10-16 |title=Barbary ground squirrels do not have a sentinel system but instead synchronize vigilance |url=https://www.technologynetworks.com/neuroscience/news/ground-squirrels-early-warning-system-is-revealed-355313 |journal=Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology |language=en |volume=75 |issue=11 |pages=153 |doi=10.1007/s00265-021-03094-1 |bibcode=2021BEcoS..75..153V |issn=1432-0762|url-access=subscription }}</ref> Ground squirrels are also known for their burrowing behavior. They have intricate tunnel systems with multiple entrances, which provide escape routes from predators. When a threat approaches, they quickly retreat underground, where they are safe from most predators. Their burrows are designed with multiple chambers and ranges between {{convert|5|and|30|ft}},<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ground Squirrel / Home and Landscape / UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM) |url=https://ipm.ucanr.edu/home-and-landscape/ground-squirrel/pest-notes/#:~:text=California%20ground%20squirrels%20live%20in,between%205%20and%2030%20feet. |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=ipm.ucanr.edu}}</ref> making it challenging for predators to reach them. This combination of vocal warnings and burrow construction makes ground squirrels highly adapted to evade danger and survive in the wild.[[File:California Ground Squirrel.jpg|thumb|[[California ground squirrel]] (''Otospermophilus beecheyi'') in a tree]]