Fehmi et al. looked at the possible effects of cattle on the abundance of California ground squirrels in Del Valle Park, California. The presence of light to moderate cattle grazing seemed to have no affect on the ground squirrels habitat selection. Fehmi et al. noted that California ground squirrels may benefit from cattle grazing in that cattle will graze down high vegetation which enables the ground squirrels to see predators at greater distances. On the other had, cattle can also compete for fresh forage with the ground squirrel, especially in the dry season. The authors urged future studies, with a closer focus on intensive grazing pressure and critical canopy height, as well diet selection of the ground squirrel.
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