DEAR JOAN: I was wondering if there are any groundhogs in the Bay Area. My son really wants to see one, and I thought if they were in parks or somewhere, we might plan an expedition.
— Lori G., San Jose
DEAR LORI: Happy Groundhog’s Day, or did I already say that? I always think an expedition is a good idea, but a hunt for groundhogs in the Bay Area would be a disappointing one. Groundhogs are not native to California, and are found mostly east of the Mississippi River.
But if you want to hunt for groundhog-like critters, you’re in luck. The Bay Area is home to cousins of groundhogs, the California ground squirrel. You can find them in a lot of parks and open spaces, but if it’s an adventure you seek, try taking your son on a hike in the Mission Peak Regional Preserve.
Park naturalists recommend following Hidden Valley and Ohlone Wilderness trails until you reach the Peak Trails, which will lead up to the Mission Peak Summit. To complete the loop, follow the Horse Heaven and Peak Meadows trails back down, keeping an eye out for the ground squirrels as you go.
It’s about 10 miles in all, and is listed as beginner-to-intermediate in difficulty. The route is a mix of wide paved and gravel paths.
Northern California is also home to another groundhog relative, the yellow-bellied marmot, also known as a rock chuck. You’ll most likely find them in Yosemite.
Closer to home and not quite as physically taxing, the Oakland Zoo has a rock hyrax, which some people think resembles a groundhog. Personally, I find them much cuter. They are native to Africa, and you’ll find the hyrax in the zoo’s African Savannah section.
DEAR JOAN: I wonder if you might have any insight into a mystery. My wife and I live in the hills of Saratoga next to open space. We see a lot of wildlife diversity here, and we don’t use pesticides or chemicals in the yard.
In midsummer we both get small but very itchy red bites, often in places covered by clothing. I’ve also had many around my ankles and feet. We almost never see mosquitoes or any other suspects. The bites can be numerous but isolated, not in a line like fleas might cause. We often first notice these bites at bedtime.
Perhaps they are mites too small for us to see, from the oaks or nearby vineyards? Maybe they invade clothing that we hang out to dry? Any ideas? We’d sure like to find a way to avoid this phenomenon. None of our neighbors seem to have this problem.
— Bob, Saratoga
DEAR BOB: The most likely cause is chiggers, also known as harvest mites. The near-microscopic pests live outside in tall grass. Only the larvae bite humans, but they don’t burrow into the skin.
Take the advice of that guy in “Jurassic Park” sequel and stay out of the long grass, and don’t sit on the ground. Wear loose-fitting, long pants and long sleeved shirts, and shower immediately afterward with a loofah to remove any stragglers.
The Animal Life column runs on Mondays. Contact Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.
The Mercury News
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