Where Does the Dirt Go in a Ground Squirrel Burrow? 
Ever wondered where does a ground squirrel burrow? Their burrows are honeycombed, with tunnels and chambers, almost like a mini-ecosystem. They also bring seeds to the surface and resist snakes. But where does the dirt go inside a ground squirrel burrow? Here are some ideas. Read on to discover how ground squirrels live and burrow. It’s a fascinating animal that is hard to miss, but if you don’t know how to spot one, you’ll be in for some surprises.
Ground squirrel burrows are honeycombed with tunnels and chambers
While squirrel colonies are composed of a number of small holes, they’re actually honeycombed systems of tunnels and chambers. Though some species of ground squirrel don’t build burrows, the vast majority excavate soil every four years. Their burrow systems can extend as deep as six feet and can be up to 35 feet long, with several entrances and chambers.
In addition to the nuts and seeds they eat, ground squirrels also hunt insects and voles in their tunnels. These animals also eat shellfish and birds’ eggs. Their burrows are even home to some native amphibians. California red-legged frogs, western toads, and California tiger salamanders often seek refuge in ground squirrel burrows.
They are nearly mini-ecosystems of their own
For one thing, ground squirrel burrows are a virtually self-sustaining ecosystem. They help many species of ground squirrels to thrive and provide them with shelter. Their burrows are nearly mini-ecosystems in themselves, and they allow rainwater to percolate deeper into the ground. If they were not there, predators would find them and kill them. This is why there should be a suitable ratio of squirrels to land in an area.
In the early days of ground squirrels, there were few predators. This increased their population. The grazing of the land reduced the amount of vegetation, leading to more ground squirrels. Winter rains loosened the soil, allowing water to flow down the burrows. The result was erosion, which began in gullies and whole hillsides. But this didn’t affect ground squirrels’ foraging costs, which remained the same.
They bring seeds to the surface
Just as gophers push soil upwards, ground squirrels also dig up the soil and deposit it in mounds near burrow openings. Their activity is necessary for soil production because they mix mineral dirt with organic matter and increase microbe activity. According to Paula Schiffman, a grassland ecologist at California State University, Northridge, the soil around a ground squirrel colony is several degrees warmer than the soil surrounding it.
A ground squirrel’s diet is made up of primarily seeds. In summer, this type of squirrels feed on succulent vegetation and can be found estimating their nests for a few weeks before the rainy season brings new growth. This enables them to be visible to predators. When this happens, the squirrels can quickly escape and find new food. In the winter, they hibernate.
They resist snakes
Ground squirrels may use snake harassment as a way of assessing the danger of a rattlesnake, but they cannot always detect the actual size of a rattlesnake. Larger, warm rattlesnakes pose a greater threat than small, torpid ones. Hence, ground squirrels may also act as predators to drive off snakes by throwing dirt or rocks.
The long-term relationship between rattlesnakes and ground squirrels has facilitated evolution of antisnake defenses in both species. While lab-born Douglas ground squirrels treated the gopher snake with equal apprehension, wild-caught adults aggressively harassed the rattlesnake. It is possible that rattlesnake harassment protects the ground squirrel’s young. Some ground squirrel populations have also colonized areas that do not have rattlesnakes.
They are solitary rodents
Ground squirrels live in the wild and can reach up to 50 kg. These rodents are found in the plains of South America, and are typically hunted for their meat. These rodents are closely related to muskrats and capybaras, and may even have evolved from them. Both are solitary animals, but there are notable differences among them. In general, ground squirrels have a more social nature than prairie dogs or porcupines.
In terms of sociality, ground squirrels are some of the most social rodents. They play together and vocalize, and the males may even help rear infants. While group living can be beneficial to ground squirrels, it also can cause problems and lead to increased competition, disease transmission, and aggressive behavior among members of a community. Ground squirrels have a unique ability to dig underground burrows to hide from predators and their prey.
They hibernate through the winter
A ground squirrel’s life cycle is very different from that of a human. They spend six months of the year “dening”, or sleeping in their burrows, without eating, drinking or peeing. Their anal cavity develops a thick plug of fibrous material that seals in their poop and feces during the cold months. This allows the body to maintain a steady body temperature of thirty degrees Celsius while hibernating.
When the winter months come around, ground squirrels hibernate through the winter and store up energy to survive. They do this in their burrows during the coldest months, but this does not necessarily mean that they stay in their burrows all winter. Ground squirrels can also stay active all year round without hibernating, such as the African ground squirrel. However, this species of ground squirrel can be killed in summer if it is exposed to too much sunlight and heat.
How deep do ground squirrel burrows typically go?
Ground squirrel burrows typically go about 18 inches deep.
How long are ground squirrel burrows?
Ground squirrel burrows are typically about 10 feet long.
Do ground squirrels live in their burrows alone?
No ground squirrels typically live in their burrows in groups.
How many ground squirrels can live in one burrow?
A group of ground squirrels can have up to 15 members living in one burrow.
What do ground squirrels use their burrows for?
Ground squirrels use their burrows for both sleeping and storing food.
Do ground squirrels build their own burrows?
No ground squirrels do not build their own burrows.
Where do ground squirrels get their burrows?
Ground squirrels get their burrows from other animals such as badgers and foxes.
How do ground squirrels keep their burrows warm?
Ground squirrels keep their burrows warm by lining them with grass and leaves.
How do ground squirrels keep their burrows cool?
Ground squirrels keep their burrows cool by digging them deep into the ground.
What other animals use ground squirrel burrows?
Other animals that use ground squirrel burrows include skunks weasels and snakes.
Do all animals use ground squirrel burrows?
No not all animals use ground squirrel burrows.
How do animals find ground squirrel burrows?
Animals find ground squirrel burrows by following the scent of the squirrels.
Do ground squirrels use other animals’ burrows?
Yes ground squirrels sometimes use other animals’ burrows.
What happens to ground squirrel burrows when the squirrels leave?
Ground squirrel burrows are often taken over by other animals when the squirrels leave.
What happens to ground squirrel burrows when the squirrels die?
Ground squirrel burrows are often taken over by other animals when the squirrels die.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
