Video of a California ground squirrel interacting with a southern Pacific rattlesnake who had recently eaten. The snake rattles its rattle to warn the squirrel (Credit: Refuge Manager Sally Brown/USFWS).
Recently at San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, a California ground squirrel was seen tossing wood chips, jumping around, and flicking its tail at a southern Pacific rattlesnake who had likely just eaten one of its kind. This interaction lasted at least 8 minutes.But why bother if the snake already ate? Because ground squirrels don’t just protect themselves, they defend their burrows, warn nearby squirrels, and sometimes even protect their young or close relatives. These clever critters have evolved unique anti-snake tactics. They kick sand, heat up their tails to confuse the snake’s heat sensors, and throw debris to drive predators away. The rattlesnake rattled and struck in response, but didn’t chase, likely too full to fight.
Just another wild moment on the refuge.
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