Identification

Management efforts are more effective when directed at the right pest. Identify which species of ground squirrel is causing damage - and make sure that another burrowing pest isn't responsible.

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Signs and Characteristics

California or Belding's Ground Squirrels? Learn how to tell the two species apart and how to recognize signs of activity.

Damage

See examples of ground squirrel damage to crops and infrastructure.

Look-alike Pests and Damage

Tree squirrels, gophers, and voles -- oh my. Distinguish ground squirrels and their damage from other burrowing pests.

Non-pest Species

Learn about other burrowing species in California that do NOT cause damage:

•  Burrowing Non-Target Wildlife
• Ground Squirrel Species of Lesser Concern

Signs and Characteristics photo: Jack Kelly Clark/UC IPM. Non-pest Species photo: Robert Sivinski.