The California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi), also known as the Beechey ground squirrel, was named after Frederick William Beechey, who explored much of Northern California in 1826-28 as captain of His Majesty's Ship Blossom. California ground squirrels reside on the ground and in burrow systems which provide habitats for other animals, such as rodents and snakes.
