Ground Squirrels
What do ground squirrels look like?
Formerly called “Richardson’s ground squirrel,” the Wyoming ground squirrel averages 10 to 15 inches in length and weighs 9 to 14 ounces as an adult. Its fur is generally a brownish smoke-gray, with a dappled pattern of cinnamon-buff. The underside of the tail is a light brownish yellow.
The golden-mantled ground squirrel is generally about 9.1 to 11.4 inches in length. The weight range for adults is between 4 to 13 ounces. It has whitish or yellow-gray underparts. The tail is brown to black with buff edges and a yellowish to reddish underside. It has pale rings around the eyes. The "mantle" across the shoulders is tawny to reddish, with males having a deeper reddish tinge. This species is distinguished from similar ground squirrels by a black-bordered white stripe down each side of the back and is distinguished from similar looking chipmunks by its lack of facial stripes. Often mistaken for a chipmunk.
Are ground squirrels dangerous?
Ground squirrels are considered not to be dangerous, though some of them could carry diseases and cause damage to structural construction. Just like other rodents and wildlife, ground squirrels will generally come to the housing area if they smell food.
What do ground squirrels do?
High concentrations of ground squirrels can pose an aesthetic and economic pest problem. They compete with livestock for forage spots and can destroy food crops. Ground squirrel burrowing activity can damage grasslands, golf courses and lawns.
What is the life cycle of ground squirrels?
The life span of ground squirrels is up to about seven years. Most adults are independent, rarely cooperating, and usually competing for resources. They may assemble at sites with abundant food but develop a group hierarchy. Adults reside alone in burrows, creating nests for hibernation or rearing of young.
Signs of ground squirrels around my home?
- Holes that tend to appear at the base of trees or around your garden plants.
- Destroyed plants and garden bulbs.
- Bald patches of grass due to grazing.
- Chew marks on sprinkler heads or wooden furniture.
What should I do?
The most effective solution for ground squirrels is habitat modification involving the property owner implementing consistent mowing of the yard to a lowcut level, cutting back foliage near structural foundations, ensuring that gardens are secured, and seek out the addition of artificial treatments in the yard by a licensed professional.