![]() ![]() Reddish-brown with dark brown and white stripes Red, gray, brown, tan stripes or speckled patterns The following table briefly illustrates the main differences between ground squirrels, other (tree) squirrels, and chipmunks. Here, they eat a diet of grasses, seeds, fruit, fungi, and insects. Ground squirrels live in hillsides, meadows, gardens, fields, and bordering crops. Their burrows have places for them to sleep, hibernate, escape extreme temperatures and predators, cache food, and raise offspring. ![]() These burrows are extensive, ranging from 5 to 20 feet long. Ground squirrels spend most of their time burrowing and tunneling in the ground in colonies of 2 to 20 animals. Others have speckled cheeks or stripes along their backs, making them look like chipmunks at a glance. Some ground squirrels have mottled-like gray or brown fur with white marks on their tails. They typically have streamlined, non-bushy tails. Ground squirrels are often confused with tree squirrels and chipmunks due to their similar burrowing behavior or coloring. Over 285 species of squirrels live all around the world, and 62 of these species are considered ground squirrels. Read on to learn more about what exactly are ground squirrels, how they differ from tree squirrels and chipmunks, and ultimately how to get rid of ground squirrels. Professional exterminators can also evaluate the problem and offer solutions to get rid of ground squirrels. In more persistent cases, trapping, baiting, poisoning, and fumigation may be used if permitted in your area. These include humane tactics such as deterrents and repellents, fencing and barriers, and removing food and water sources and hiding spots. Thankfully, there are many ways of how to get rid of ground squirrels. They can quickly burrow underneath foundations and decimate gardens and yards in a short period. The squirrels wake up to eat the food that they have stored in special chambers of the burrow and will then relieve themselves in a special “bathroom” chamber.Ground squirrels are infamous for causing extensive damage to peoples’ yards and homes. In this state, their heart rate slows by 90% and their respiratory systems slows down so much that they often take a breath only once every few minutes.ĭuring hibernation, ground squirrels will wake up for a very short period of time every five days or so. ![]() Unlike bears, who enter a long sleep, the squirrels actually enter a state of inactivity. ![]() One group of scientists found six females and five males living in a single burrow that consisted of a total of 741 feet of tunnels and thirty three different openings.ĭuring colder months, California Ground Squirrels go into a true hibernation. However, these burrows are often very elaborate. Squirrels are equipped with special internal cheek pouches for collecting and transporting the food.įrom above the ground, a burrow may look like merely a simple hole in the ground. Often ground squirrels are spotted entering and leaving their burrows, where they are storing food for the winter season. They possess special adaptations in order to withstand so much time in the sun, including rings of whitish fur around the eyes that protect against intense rays. Ground squirrels are most often seen feeding, sunning, dust-bathing, or grooming. ![]()
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