Ground Squirrel or Tree Squirrel? What’s the difference?

Can you distinguish the difference between a ground squirrel and a tree squirrel? This can be a tricky task at times.

Ground Squirrels tend to be a tan-grey color to blend in with the dirt.  They have tails, but they aren’t very long or bushy.  

They do not climb trees and instead live in underground colonies.  The entrances to their burrows are usually about grapefruit sized holes that are left open so they can quickly run from hole to hole.  These burrows are often found around buildings, gardens, industrial parks, as well as along roads, in parks and at the edge of wooded areas. They can damage many food-bearing and ornamental plants. They can also undermine and be detrimental to the foundation of the houses, driveways, spa pads and roads due to their extensive burrow systems.

Tree squirrels typically live in wooded areas, since they prefer to live in trees. Tree squirrels sleep in dreys; a nest of twigs, branches, leaves and moss. This species of critter primarily feeds on nuts, although they do like an occasional freshly budding flower or fruit. They have bushier tails and can be a little bigger than most ground squirrels.  In our area we traditionally see the red tree squirrels and the grey tree squirrels. There is no real effective way to control tree squirrels, although they can be very pesky in fruit trees.  

However, we here at Gopher Team are ready to help control ground squirrel activity in your beautiful garden. We are experienced and prepared to get the population under control and prevent the damage ground squirrels can cause. Give us a call today and we will be out on the next two business days.

Ground Squirrels:

Tree Squirrels: