If the squirrel is climbing a tree, it's a tree squirrel and if it's digging in the ground, it must be a ground squirrel, right? Sometimes that's correct, but since these critters are squirrelly, they play by different rules. Most of us have seen tree squirrels running on the grass and then scurry up a tree. You may have seen tree squirrels bury their nuts in a hole or hide them in a hollowed out tree. They may even leave their favorite tree, so they can raid a bird feeder or chase a fellow tree squirrel. Ground squirrels are expert diggers that create extensive burrow systems that provide protection from predators and the elements and also provide living areas and food storage. Usually, ground squirrels stay pretty close to a tunnel entrance so they have a quick place to duck and hide from a hungry hawk or coyote. Ground squirrels venture away from their burrows to forage for food, expand their territory or look for a mate. When they are out on these excursions, and they...
This blog is a place to share, learn and sometimes laugh about ground squirrels and prairie dogs. My days are spent talking about ground squirrels, prairie dogs, and other burrowing rodents. I am also a Speaker at Seminars throughout California, educating people on IPM and organic methods of controlling their populations.