Full Breakdown
Santa Monica Urges Residents to Stop Feeding Squirrels at Palisades Park
6/10/2026, 11:19:39 AM
Overpopulation at Palisades Park
Santa Monica officials report a rise in ground squirrels at Palisades Park, a green space where the animals traditionally burrow on the bluffs. Recent visits documented dozens gathering on the grass and eating junk food such as cheese crackers and ranch dressing. The surge is linked to a sustained human food supply.
Feeding and Breeding
Ground squirrels are native to Santa Monica coastline and live in cliffside burrows. Over recent years, visitors have offered handouts, creating an “unnatural food supply” that boosts survival and litter size. The species breeds twice a year—once in February and June-August—producing two to nine kits per litter.
Key Actors and Data
Marcia Rybak, director of Coast and Canyon Wildlife Rehabilitation, says “the problem is, it’s always the food supply.” Her group rescued over 1,100 orphaned or injured wildlife in Los Angeles County. City officials have posted signs prohibiting feeding, note that California bans most traps and baits, and confirm no poisons are used. The city applies “Delta Dust” to burrows during peak months and works with Caltrans to monitor activity. A birth-control program considered two decades ago was never implemented.
Ecological Concerns
City biologists warn that dense burrowing could threaten the structural integrity of the Palisades bluffs, though erosion risk remains unquantified. High squirrel densities also raise flea and disease-vector concerns, prompting Delta Dust treatment. Officials caution that abruptly cutting supplemental food may provoke aggressive behavior.
Public Views
Visitors describe the squirrels as “super cute” but also as “dominant” and a nuisance. Joe Affleck noted the moral dilemma of removing a native species, while some argue that feeding cessation is needed to protect the ecosystem and prevent aggression. One visitor urged “let nature take over.”
On-Site Observations
CBS LA reporters saw squirrels chewing cheese crackers and ranch dressing on a Monday. Nicole Smith said, “They’re very dominant squirrels… This is their park. They’ve taken over.” Other parkgoers reported frequent close encounters as animals approached humans for snacks.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Erosion: Biologists cite “a possibility” but no quantitative study is available.
- Population size: No official count of squirrels in the park has been released.
- Delta Dust efficacy: The city reports disease-vector control, yet provides no data on its impact on squirrel numbers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Rybak first told KCBS that, “The problem is, it’s always the food supply.” — Marcia Rybak, director, Coast and Canyon Wildlife Rehabilitation
- “Everything is shelter and food with wildlife, or all animals, really.” — Marcia Rybak
- “They're very dominant squirrels,” — Nicole Smith, park visitor
- “I do understand both sides, and you don’t want to go down the path of getting rid of what’s naturally there.” — Joe Affleck, park visitor
Upcoming Actions
The city will keep signs posted, continue Delta Dust applications during peak months, and monitor activity with Caltrans. Officials will explore additional non-lethal control options while urging residents to honor the no-feeding request so the squirrel population can return to sustainable levels.
