What’s the Difference Between a Ground Squirrel and a Gopher?
- MPS
- Mar 23
- 2 min read
If you’re living in Western Montana, you’ve probably had more than one run-in with critters digging up your yard. Two of the usual suspects? Ground squirrels and gophers. They might look similar at a quick glance, but they’re quite different when you dig a little deeper (pun intended). So how do you tell them apart, and why does it even matter? Let’s break it down!
Both ground squirrels and gophers love to make themselves right at home in your lawn, but they’re not roommates. In fact, they’re pretty different characters in the pest world. Let’s get to know them.
Ground Squirrels
Appearance: Think of a tiny prairie dog or a chipmunk’s long-lost cousin. Ground squirrels usually have a slender build, a long bushy tail, and often some stripes or spots on their fur.
Behavior: These guys love basking in the sun and are known to pop their heads out like little prairie dogs. They’re more active during the day and spend a good amount of time foraging above ground.
Tunnels: Ground squirrels dig shallow burrows with multiple entrances. You might notice the entrances surrounded by small dirt mounds.
Diet: They’re not picky—seeds, nuts, fruits, and sometimes insects make it to their menu.
Gophers
Appearance: Stockier and chunkier than ground squirrels, with short, stubby tails and large cheek pouches (perfect for storing food). Their fur is typically brownish or grayish, blending well with the dirt.
Behavior: Gophers are homebodies. You’ll rarely see them above ground, as they spend most of their lives tunneling underground. If you do catch a glimpse, they’ll probably be dragging some plant down into their burrow.
Tunnels: Unlike ground squirrels, gopher tunnels are deeper, with fewer entrances and large crescent-shaped mounds of dirt.
Diet: Gophers are vegetarians—they munch on roots, tubers, and any juicy plant they can get their teeth on.
Why Should You Care?
The big difference between ground squirrels and gophers is how they can impact your property. Gophers can devastate crops and gardens because they eat plant roots, while ground squirrels are more of a nuisance for their digging habits and for raiding your bird feeder. Both can cause significant lawn damage, but their habits and lifestyles require different strategies to manage.
Protect Your Yard with Montana Pest Solutions
Don’t let these pesky burrowers ruin your beautiful lawn! Whether you’re dealing with gophers or ground squirrels, our professional pest control services have got you covered. Our team of experienced exterminators knows how to get rid of pests safely and effectively, restoring your peace of mind.
Why Choose Us?
Local experts in Missoula pest control and Montana pest control
Proven solutions that get results
Reliable, affordable, and efficient services
Give us a call at 406-830-8752 or visit www.bigskypest.com for your free quotation. Let us take care of your pest problem so you can enjoy your yard without any unwanted guests.
Your Pest Problem Solvers
When it comes to ground squirrels, gophers, or any other pest, trust Montana Pest Solutions to handle it. We’re the experts in pest control Missoula residents rely on. Don’t wait—get your yard back today!
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