What is the enemy of ground squirrels? Pretty much everything with teeth, talons, or a backyard to protect. These burrowing rodents may seem cute from a distance, but in the real world, they’re constantly dodging danger from raptors circling above to pine marten prowling the ground, and yes, even us humans with our traps and turf wars.
If they’ve started turning your lawn into a cratered mess, you’re not imagining the threat. Ground squirrels may be scrappy survivors, but they’re no match for their long list of predation like pine martens, and weasels or for a well-planned response from a professional animal control team like AAAC Wildlife Removal. Let’s break down who and what is after them, and what that means for local squirrel population and property especially if you’re dealing with the California ground squirrel, one of the most common and disruptive burrowers in the western U.S.
Natural Squirrel Predators That Hunt Ground Squirrels
Ground squirrels don’t exactly have it easy in the wild. They’re a favorite snack for everything from sky hunters to slithering ambush artists. Understanding their natural hunters gives you a clear picture of why these creatures are so skittish and why your property may be their “safe zone” when things get too intense out there.
Avian Aerial Hunters: Hawks, Eagles, and Owls
Ground squirrels know better than to hang around in the open for too long. Birds of prey like red-tailed hawks, golden eagles, and great horned owls have razor-sharp vision and can spot a squirrel from hundreds of feet above. Predators like hawks and owls swoop down with silent precision, often grabbing their target before it can dive back into a burrow.
That’s why you’ll rarely see a ground squirrel too far from a hole — they’re constantly watching the sky. Open fields, golf courses, and cleared lots make them sitting targets. If your property offers more cover or fewer threats from above, it quickly becomes prime squirrel real estate especially if it’s near seed sources or exposed garden beds. In open landscapes like parts of Nevada, these conditions make ground squirrels even more vulnerable to aerial attacks.
Land-Based Squirrel Predators: Coyotes, Foxes, and Bobcats
On the ground, squirrels are under constant threat from wild carnivores. Coyotes and foxes are skilled trackers, and bobcats are ambush predators that wait silently before pouncing. These carnivorous mammals rely on stealth and patience, often appearing out of nowhere to snatch a meal. Even a wandering farm cat or feral cat has been known to go after smaller or injured ground squirrels if the opportunity arises, especially in areas where scattered seed attracts both prey and hunter.
These animals don’t need to see the squirrel — they follow scent trails, sounds, and burrow openings to get the job done. Even domestic dogs can pose a threat if they catch a squirrel off guard. While these mammals help keep populations in check in the wild, they’re less effective in suburban neighborhoods where ground squirrels can multiply with less interference.
Slithering Threats: Rattlesnakes and Gopher Snakes
Some of the deadliest enemies come from underground. Snakes like the western rattlesnake and gopher snake slither right into burrows, where young or distracted squirrels are easy prey. These reptiles can wait quietly inside tunnels, striking when their prey gets close enough.
Ground squirrels have developed fascinating defenses including tail flagging and even a resistance to certain snake venoms to help squirrels protect themselves underground. Still, that doesn’t make them invincible. When snakes become common in an area, squirrels tend to abandon their usual burrow networks and migrate closer to human structures in search of safer ground.
Mammalian Opportunistic Predators: Raccoons, Badgers, and Skunks
While not their main menu item, weasels, badgers, and even skunks have been known to dig into squirrel burrows or snatch young ones if the opportunity presents itself. These animals are resourceful, and ground squirrels make an easy meal when they’re nesting or distracted.
Because they’re nocturnal, these predators don’t get as much credit as the more visible threats like nocturnal birds or raccoon. Still, they’re a real part of the ecosystem’s pressure on squirrel populations especially in rural or forested zones.
The Ultimate Threat: Humans
Let’s be honest — humans are the top threat to ground squirrels by a long shot. From pesticides and habitat destruction to traps, fencing, and professional animal removal, we’ve got the tools and the motivation to drive them out.
While some methods are reckless and ineffective, trained pest control pros like the team at AAAC Wildlife Removal know how to safely and humanely handle ground squirrel infestations. We don’t just scare them — we stop the damage, relocate when needed, and prevent repeat invasions with smarter strategies.
When Nature Isn’t Enough, Call the Real Predator Pros
Ground squirrels have a long list of enemies, but when they start digging up your garden or chewing through irrigation lines, you don’t want to rely on goshawk or wild predators to handle the problem. Nature’s got its own rhythm — your backyard doesn’t have time for that. If squirrels are turning your property into their personal playground, it’s time to bring in some intelligent intervention.
At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we do more than scare them off. We find their hideouts, fix the damage, and set up long-term defenses so they don’t come back. Ready to reclaim your yard? Schedule your inspection today and let’s put you back in charge before the next squirrel decides your place looks like home.
