In what states do ground squirrels live?

Ground squirrels are widely distributed across the United States, with species thriving in the West, Great Plains, and Midwest. Their presence varies by region, from California’s burrowing populations to the prairie-dwelling thirteen-lined and Franklin’s ground squirrels.

These rodents are more than just casual wildlife sightings, as their burrows can damage lawns, farms, and even building foundations. Knowing the specific states they inhabit is essential for understanding their behavior, managing property risks, and applying the right wildlife control strategies.

Key States Where Ground Squirrels Live

Ground squirrels are spread across many regions of the United States, with each species favoring particular habitats. From western deserts to prairie grasslands, their range covers a wide stretch of states where they adapt and thrive.

California

California is the stronghold of the California ground squirrel, a species that thrives from coastal valleys to agricultural lands. They are especially common in farmlands, grasslands, and even suburban edges where they dig extensive burrow networks.

These burrows often weaken dikes, irrigation systems, and building foundations, creating costly problems for property owners. Because they adapt so easily to human-modified landscapes, California faces some of the nation’s most persistent ground squirrel issues.

Texas

Texas is home to the Mexican ground squirrel, particularly abundant in central and southern parts of the state. They prefer sandy soils that allow easy tunneling, often settling in open fields, farms, and roadside areas.

Their diet includes seeds, grains, and agricultural crops, which puts them in direct conflict with farmers. Their presence across much of Texas makes them a frequent concern for both agricultural management and urban pest control.

Oregon

Oregon’s ground squirrel population is split between two species – the California ground squirrel in the western valleys and the Washington ground squirrel in the drier eastern grasslands. Each species occupies distinct habitats, giving the state a unique mix of common pests and conservation concerns.

The Washington ground squirrel is listed as threatened, which means handling requires strict compliance with wildlife protection laws. This balance of pest management and species protection sets Oregon apart from many other states.

Washington

Washington is notable for hosting the Washington ground squirrel, a species restricted mainly to the state’s interior grasslands. Unlike the adaptable California ground squirrel, this species sticks closely to shrub-steppe ecosystems.

Because of its limited range and declining numbers, it has been designated as a threatened species. Conservation status makes ground squirrel management in Washington less about removal and more about habitat protection.

Colorado

Colorado supports both thirteen-lined ground squirrels and spotted ground squirrels, especially across its eastern plains. These species thrive in open prairies and farmland, where their burrows and feeding habits are most visible.

While their digging helps aerate soil, they also create hazards for farm machinery and reduce crop yields. This dual impact – ecological benefit and economic cost – makes ground squirrels in Colorado a complex challenge for landowners.

Utah

Utah is home to the Uinta ground squirrel, a species concentrated in the mountain valleys and meadows of the northern region. They emerge from hibernation in spring and remain active only for a few months before retreating underground again.

Despite their short active season, they can cause major damage to crops, lawns, and irrigation systems. Their timing often coincides with planting season, making them a recurring challenge for farmers and property owners.

North Dakota

North Dakota is dominated by the Richardson’s ground squirrel, a highly social species that thrives in open prairies and farmland. Colonies are widespread and can quickly expand across large fields.

Farmers see them as destructive pests because they consume young crops and create burrows that damage equipment and pose risks to livestock. Their density and persistence make them one of the state’s most costly wildlife problems.

South Dakota

South Dakota also supports large populations of Richardson’s ground squirrels, particularly in agricultural zones and pasturelands. They adapt easily to croplands and grasslands, creating extensive burrow systems.

Their feeding habits can reduce yields in alfalfa, wheat, and other crops, which puts constant pressure on farmers. With high reproduction rates, ground squirrel populations here often require ongoing management rather than one-time control efforts.

Montana

Montana is another hotspot for the Richardson’s ground squirrel, stretching across its vast prairies and ranchlands. They are a key prey species for hawks, eagles, and coyotes, playing an important ecological role.

At the same time, their colonies damage rangeland and croplands, forcing ranchers and farmers into a balancing act between control and conservation. Their abundance makes them one of the most visible wildlife species on Montana’s plains.

Nebraska

Nebraska is home to the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, easily identified by the stripes running down its back. They thrive in prairies, roadsides, and grassy fields throughout the state.

These squirrels are frequently spotted in both rural and suburban areas, where they dig burrows in lawns and gardens. Their adaptability near human activity makes them one of the most common and recognizable ground squirrels in the Midwest.

Why Location Accuracy Matters

Knowing exactly where ground squirrels live is more than trivia – it directly affects how they’re managed and controlled. Each state’s environment, laws, and species behavior require tailored strategies that can’t be copied from one region to another.

1. Species Identification Shapes Control Methods

Different ground squirrel species behave in unique ways, and identifying which one lives in your state is critical. California ground squirrels, for instance, build large communal burrows, while Uinta ground squirrels are seasonal and disappear underground for much of the year. This difference changes everything from the timing of removal to the equipment used. Without precise identification, control measures are often ineffective or even harmful to the wrong species.

2. Agricultural Impact Varies by State

The damage caused by ground squirrels isn’t uniform – it depends on what crops dominate a state’s economy. In Texas, Mexican ground squirrels raid grain fields, while in North Dakota, Richardson’s ground squirrels devastate wheat and alfalfa. Farmers can lose significant yields if controls aren’t tailored to local agricultural risks. By aligning management with state-specific crop patterns, property owners protect both harvests and revenue.

3. Conservation Laws Affect Removal Options

Not all ground squirrels are treated the same under wildlife regulations. In Oregon and Washington, the Washington ground squirrel is protected, which means removal strategies must prioritize conservation over extermination. Using the wrong approach in these states can lead to legal penalties and ecological harm. Location-specific knowledge ensures compliance with laws while keeping management ethical and effective.

4. Climate Influences Ground Squirrel Behavior

Ground squirrels adapt their activity to regional weather conditions, making climate a key factor in control planning. In colder states like Montana, they hibernate longer, which limits the window for management. In warmer states like California or Texas, they remain active for extended periods, creating more continuous challenges. Understanding local climate patterns allows for precise scheduling of prevention and removal efforts.

5. Property Risks Depend on Habitat Type

The type of land in each state determines what kind of damage ground squirrels are most likely to cause. In California’s valleys, burrows collapse irrigation ditches, while in Nebraska’s suburbs, lawns and gardens take the brunt of their digging. Even within a single state, urban, suburban, and rural areas face different risks. Recognizing these habitat-driven threats ensures property owners take the right steps to protect their investments.

Common Problems Caused by Ground Squirrels

Ground squirrels may look harmless, but their habits create serious problems for property owners and farmers alike. Their digging, feeding, and colony behavior often lead to costly damage across different environments.

Here are the most common problems linked to ground squirrel activity:

• Crop Losses – Ground squirrels feed on grains, seeds, and vegetables, reducing yields in farms and gardens.
• Structural Damage – Their burrows weaken dikes, irrigation canals, levees, and even building foundations.
• Livestock Hazards – Open burrow holes can injure cattle and horses by causing trips or broken legs.
• Lawn and Garden Destruction – Tunneling disrupts soil and kills plants, creating unsightly patches in residential areas.
• Disease Transmission – Some species carry fleas that can spread illnesses, posing health risks to humans and pets.

Final Takeaway

Ground squirrels may be small, but their impact stretches across farms, lawns, and even building foundations in many U.S. states. Knowing exactly where they live and how they behave ensures smarter decisions for property owners and wildlife managers. Accurate information also prevents wasted effort on ineffective control methods.

By understanding the states they inhabit, the problems they cause, and the importance of location-specific strategies, you can address ground squirrel issues with confidence. With the right approach, it’s possible to protect property, safeguard agriculture, and stay compliant with conservation laws—all while keeping these persistent burrowers in check.