Ground Squirrels now Protected in Idaho

[Washington Hunter]

What do you Idaho residents think about this? Or has anybody even heard about it yet?

Squirrels native to area gain state protection
Originally published Wednesday, April 14, 2004
The Associated Press

BOISE-- Three ground squirrel species native to southern Idaho have gained new protection from the Idaho Fish and Game Commission.

The Wyoming ground squirrel is a subspecies in southern Owyhee and Twin Falls counties along the Idaho-Nevada border.

Little information exists on the current status of the Piute ground squirrel subspecies found north of the Snake River from Bliss to Dubois. Surveys conducted in 2000 found it at only four of 24 traditional sites.

Merriam's ground squirrel is a subspecies found in Owyhee County. Its main range is in Oregon, and it's also in decline there.

All of these ground squirrels live in shrub-steppe habitats where other species such as sage grouse and pygmy rabbits have also been seen similar population declines.

The Fish and Game Commission included the three squirrel species, along with all of Idaho's bats, reptiles and amphibians, as protected nongame species. For most people, the new rules are unlikely to make any difference.

Protected nongame status means that people cannot kill or possess these species unless state law and commission regulations specifically allow it.

Chuck Harris, agency nongame program manager, noted Idaho law will continue to allow the killing of bats, rattlesnakes or other protected nongame species when personal health, safety, or property is at issue.

Killing a rattlesnake in the backyard or a bat that flies into a house will not bring a visit from the local conservation officer.

The primary interest of the change for bats is protecting hibernating, maternity, and critical roosting sites.

The change will still allow people to collect and keep up to four live native reptiles or amphibians.

The commission approved the changes last month.

 

[ELKCHSR]

Those look very doable and totally with in reason, I could be mistaken though...

Thanks Bob..
See I can get the name right...
Thanks...