The control of ground squirrels in California is important in two ways. First, it is necessary to prevent destruction of agricultural crops. Second, it is important from a health standpoint where rodent-borne diseases have been demonstrated to be present. Ground squirrel control in this State is the responsibility of the county agricultural commissioners, the State Department of Agriculture and on Federal lands the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife. Most control measures are concerned with but two of the nine species of ground squirrels found in California. These include four subspecies: Beechey ground squirrel (Citellus beecheyi beecheyi), Douglas ground squirrel (Citellus beecheyi douglasii), Fisher ground squirrel (Citellus beecheyi fisheri), and Oregon ground squirrel (Citellus oregonus).