Gophers are experiencing a population boom in San Diego near Liberty Station

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — What appears to be a growing population of ground squirrels has been observed running near the San Diego waterfront in recent weeks.

A viewer who frequents the park surrounding Liberty Station and San Diego International Airport wrote to FOX 5/KUSI about the increased gopher activity, saying he has seen more of the furry rodents lately.

Unlike tree squirrels, these creatures are also known to burrow into the ground, where they sleep, rest, raise their young, store food, and avoid danger – which, depending on the viewer, is increasingly widespread throughout the riverside park.

Ground squirrels have historically been very active in San Diego, including at Liberty Station, according to the San Diego Humane Society. Rodents are the most common species of squirrel that can be found in the area.

However, Humane Society experts say residents may notice increased ground squirrel activity in the coming weeks at Liberty Station and other areas where they are known to frequent.

This is because ground squirrels are currently in their mating and birthing season, which usually occurs twice a year. With a gestation period of approximately one to two months, squirrels typically give birth to their litter of kittens in early spring or late summer.

According to the Humane Society, once born, baby squirrels can be seen running more outside their burrows as they develop life skills.

But that doesn't mean nothing is being done about the creatures: In a statement to FOX 5/KUSI, a spokesperson for the city's Parks and Recreation Department said staff is keeping “an eye on all areas of Liberty Station park that fall under the regulations.” the jurisdiction of the City of San Diego” for the growth of the gopher population.

According to the spokesperson, staff are in the field regularly, filling holes as they appear and carrying out other maintenance activities as part of the “Integrated Pest Management” program.

The program, which “focuses on long-term management of the balance of our environment”, uses a myriad of techniques such as education, habitat modification and eradication, if the population demands it . Chemical management practices are used when all other options have been exhausted, the spokesperson noted.

The Parks and Recreation Department also has a certified vendor who identifies areas of overcrowding and performs “necessary abatement services as needed,” according to the city, particularly in areas where burial in fragile soil could cause destabilization and erosion.

If park visitors encounter some of these rodents in the meantime, the Humane Society urges people to leave the squirrels alone and “find ways to coexist.” The only circumstances in which the nonprofit suggests interacting with the creatures is if a baby appears to have been abandoned or if an adult squirrel is sick or injured.

More details on how to deal with squirrels when experiencing these problems can be found on the Humane Society website.

For homeowners who want to watch out for squirrels near their property during mating season, the Humane Society has some recommendations:

• Block any holes or entry points with wood or chicken wire to prevent a squirrel from entering a building – they will take up residence inside if it is easily accessible.
• Only install freestanding bird feeders in places a squirrel cannot access, such as on a metal pole at least six feet high. Keep them away from overhanging shrubs and tree branches.
• Take care to trim back overhanging tree branches, shrubs or vines in a backyard space that could provide access to an attic or other parts of a building. Also cover telephone and electrical wires near a house with long plastic tubes, making them more difficult to climb.