Big Bear, Ca, March 10, 2011, 5:00pm – According to the Department of Fish and Game, over the last few years there has been a decline in the squirrel population in the San Bernardino Mountains. This decline started in the west side of the mountains, particularly in the Lake Arrowhead and the Running Springs area. The Department of Fish and Game’s biologist Jeff Villepique told KBHR that there has been a pattern, in which the decline is moving from west to east, and that they have yet to determine a cause. There is speculation that it could be a disease affecting the squirrels, but this has not been determined. If you happen to find a freshly dead squirrel, you are encouraged to call the West Nile Hotline at 877 968 2473, or report it at westnile.ca.gov.
