A ground squirrel looks like a small, low-to-the-ground rodent with a stocky body, short legs, and a relatively short, semi-bushy tail. Its fur is usually brownish-gray with speckled or mottled patterns that help it blend into dry soil. Ground squirrels have rounded ears, large dark eyes, and a blunt snout, giving them an alert, upright stance when they pause to scan for danger. Unlike tree squirrels, their tails are thinner and they move with short, quick bursts close to the ground.
You’re out in the yard, you spot something furry darting across the lawn, and suddenly you’re asking yourself, what is a ground squirrel look like? You’re not alone. These burrow-happy little rodents are often mistaken for chipmunks or tree squirrels, but the differences matter, especially if they’re digging up your garden or tunneling near your home’s foundation.
In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what ground squirrels lookalike, how to tell them apart from similar species, and what to do if you’ve got a few too many poking around your property.
What Is a Ground Squirrel Look Like Compared to a Tree Squirrel?
When you’re trying to figure out if that scurrying critter is a ground squirrel, start with the body. Ground squirrels carry themselves low, with a stocky frame, short legs, and a horizontal posture that’s way more grounded, literally, than tree squirrels. Adults average about 9 to 11 inches long, and their movement tends to be more of a scurry-waddle than the springy, acrobatic dash of their tree-loving cousins.
Color and fur patterns vary slightly across species, but most share a brownish-gray coat speckled with lighter markings. Take the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, for example, it’s one of the easiest to recognize thanks to its bold, light-colored stripes and spots running along its back like racing stripes. Compare that to the Franklin’s ground squirrel, which is chunkier and wears a darker, almost charcoal-gray coat with less contrast and a bushy tail that stands out more than most. These subtle differences matter when you’re trying to figure out what you’re dealing with in the yard.
Now back to the general look. Ground squirrels have short, rounded ears that barely rise above the head, a blunt snout, and wide-set black eyes that give them a perpetually alert look. Their tails? Definitely less impressive than the puffed-up fluff of a tree squirrel’s. Instead, think scraggly feather duster, useful for balance, sure, but not a showpiece. And if you catch them on alert, you’ll see them do that classic prairie-dog-style upright pose, standing tall to survey their surroundings before darting back into the tunnel.
How They Move, Dig, and Shake Up the Ecosystem
Ground squirrels aren’t just cute yard crashers, they’re busy, purposeful little engineers with a lifestyle that can leave your yard looking like Swiss cheese. Their movement is quick and low to the ground, often in short bursts with sudden stops. You’ll catch them freezing mid-scurry, sitting up to scan the area with those wide eyes and twitching noses. It’s part of their built-in defense system, always watching for predators before diving back into one of their many burrows.
Speaking of tunnels, this is where ground squirrels really make their mark. They dig complex underground networks with multiple entrances, air vents, and side chambers for nesting, storing food, or simply riding out the colder months in hibernation. These tunnels can stretch several feet in length and sit just under the surface, perfect for aerating soil but terrible for your yard, landscaping, or even your home’s foundation. Some colonies can house dozens of squirrels, each with their own entry point and escape route.
Now here’s the wild part, despite the headaches they cause, ground squirrels actually play a role in balancing local ecosystems. Their burrows provide shelter for other animals like snakes, burrowing owls, and even the occasional field mouse. They also help spread seeds and aerate compacted soil. That said, when the colony grows too large or moves into residential areas, that “helpful” ecological role turns into a full-blown invasion of your property.
Ground Squirrel Real Estate: Where They Set Up Shop
Ground squirrels love wide-open spaces with plenty of sunshine and soft soil to dig in. Their favorite hangouts include dry grasslands, pastures, prairies, and yep, your backyard. They tend to avoid dense forests or wet ground, preferring areas where they can spot predators and make a fast escape.
Around homes, they tuck themselves into spots like garden beds, under decks, along fence lines, and near foundations. Loose dirt and minimal human activity make these areas ideal. If the soil’s easy to move and there’s a little cover, a ground squirrel will see it as prime property for a new tunnel system. The California ground squirrel, in particular, is well-adapted to urban areas in the West and often sets up camp near roadsides, parks, and suburban landscapes.
What Ground Squirrel Pests Eat
Ground squirrels are primarily plant lovers with a bit of opportunistic flair. Their diet is heavy on seeds, nuts, grasses, roots, and just about anything green. That means flower bulbs, veggies, and tender young shoots are always on the chopping block if you’ve got a garden nearby.
They’re also notorious hoarders. When food is plentiful, they gather and store it in their burrows to ride out rougher seasons. Occasionally, they’ll spice up their menu with a bug, bird egg, or tiny critter, though they’re not going full rat and chewing through trash bags or scavenging leftovers, but plants are still the main course. Their flexible appetite helps them survive almost anywhere, which is why this rodent species has become such a regular backyard pest and garden visitor.
How Ground Squirrels Multiply and Stick Around
Ground squirrels aren’t just popping up solo. Once spring rolls in and the weather warms, ground squirrels stop their seasonal rest, come out of their holes, and no longer hibernate as they jump into full-blown breeding season. Mating usually kicks off right after they emerge from their winter rest, with females typically giving birth to one litter per year. Each litter can have anywhere from 5 to 8 pups, and those little ones are up and exploring within a month.
These baby squirrels grow fast. Within six weeks, they’re weaned and already testing their digging skills. By late summer, juvenile ground squirrels are often mistaken for adults, especially as they start building their own tunnels and gathering food. This quick maturity means even a small colony can double in size within a season if left unchecked.
As for lifespan? In the wild, ground squirrels live around 3 to 4 years on average. Predators, disease, and habitat changes can shorten that, though those living near people tend to last longer—thanks to abundant food and fewer natural threats. The problem? The longer they stick around, the deeper their tunnels get, and the more damage they can cause.
How Ground Squirrels Wreck Your Backyard
Ground squirrels may look harmless, but their digging habits can lead to some serious headaches. Their tunnel systems weaken soil structure, which can cause your back yard to sink or collapse in spots. If they’re burrowing near your home, they may even compromise your foundation, patio, or walkway over time.
They’re also garden raiders. Ground squirrels will gnaw through fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, and young tree bark like it’s an all-you-can-eat buffet. That adorable nibbling face? It’s the same one that just wiped out your tomatoes, tulips, and half the spinach bed in a single afternoon.
Then there’s the damage you don’t see right away. Underground burrows can interfere with irrigation systems, chew through utility lines, and create trip hazards. And the longer they stay, the more complex those tunnel networks get, making removal harder and the repair bill bigger. If you’re seeing fresh mounds or plants disappearing overnight, it’s time to act fast.
How to Get Rid of Ground Squirrels Safely and for Good
If you’ve confirmed that those burrowing little furballs in your yard are ground squirrels, the worst move is ignoring them. Don’t try to block or fill holes; they’ll just dig new ones. Traps and DIY repellents might work short-term, but these critters are persistent, territorial, and surprisingly resourceful when it comes to reclaiming their space.
The most effective move? Call in the pros before a small issue turns into a colony takeover. Professional wildlife specialists know how to safely identify, remove, and prevent ground squirrel infestations without damaging your property or breaking local wildlife laws. They’ll assess your risk areas, inspect burrow networks, and implement long-term exclusion strategies that actually work.
You’ve already done the first step by learning what ground squirrels lookalike and how they operate. Now’s the time to act before they settle in for good.
