Attracting and Observing Ground Squirrels in Your YardGround squirrels are charismatic, energetic rodents that can bring lively wildlife activity to suburban and rural yards. Observing them can be rewarding for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and gardeners who appreciate nature’s small, wild residents. This guide covers how to attract ground squirrels ethically and safely, how to observe them without causing harm or stress, their basic biology and behavior, habitat and food preferences, and tips for minimizing conflicts with gardening or property use.
About Ground Squirrels: key facts
Ground squirrels are a broad group of ground-dwelling rodents in the squirrel family (Sciuridae). They include species such as the California ground squirrel (Otospermophilus beecheyi), the thirteen-lined ground squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus), and various ground squirrels in the genus Spermophilus across Eurasia. They are primarily diurnal, burrowing rodents that feed on seeds, plants, insects, and sometimes small vertebrates. Many species hibernate or enter torpor in colder climates.
Is it legal and safe to attract them?
Laws and regulations vary by region. In many places, watching and feeding wild animals is legal, but intentional provision of food that leads to habituation or nuisance behavior may be discouraged or restricted. Before attracting ground squirrels, check local wildlife regulations and, if you live in a homeowner association or rental property, review any relevant rules.
Ground squirrels can carry parasites or diseases (e.g., fleas, tularemia in some regions), so take sensible hygiene precautions: avoid handling, wash hands after outdoor work, and keep pets’ vaccinations and flea/tick prevention up to date.
Habitat and yard features ground squirrels like
Ground squirrels prefer areas where they can dig burrows and still have open foraging space. They favor:
- Loose, well-drained soil for burrowing
- Sunny spots and low vegetation for lookout posts
- Areas with seed-bearing grasses, herbs, shrubs, and insect-rich patches
- Edges between open areas and shrub/wooded cover
To make your yard attractive, creating or maintaining such microhabitats helps.
How to attract them ethically
If your goal is to observe natural behaviors rather than to feed or habituate animals, focus on habitat enhancement rather than handouts.
- Provide natural food sources:
- Plant native grasses, wildflowers, and seed-producing plants (sunflowers, coneflowers, native grasses). These support seeds and attract insects.
- Maintain a patch of clover or low-ground foraging plants.
- Create shelter and burrow-friendly soil:
- Leave some areas of yard undisturbed with loose soil and minimal compaction.
- Avoid heavy mulching where you want burrows; use mulched beds in other zones.
- Provide water sources:
- A shallow dish or low wildlife waterer can help, especially in dry seasons. Keep water clean to avoid mosquito breeding.
- Reduce pesticide use:
- Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that remove the insect food base and harm the ecosystem.
- Plant native shrubs at the edges:
- Edges offer cover and perches for ground squirrels and lookout points to watch for predators.
- Offer escape routes and visibility:
- Keep fence bottoms slightly open or provide brush piles so squirrels can escape predators.
Do not intentionally feed bread, processed foods, or large quantities of grain—these cause dependency, health issues, and conflicts with neighbors.
How to observe without disturbing them
- Use binoculars from a distance or a spotting scope for close-looking without approaching.
- Sit quietly in a camouflaged or sheltered spot (a lawn chair near cover) and be still — they’ll resume normal activity within minutes if not threatened.
- Observe during peak activity: morning and late afternoon are often best.
- Keep pets indoors or leashed while observing.
- Minimize sudden movements and keep noise low; avoid direct approaches to burrow entrances.
- If you want photographs, use a telephoto lens rather than approaching; set up a remote camera (trail camera) near likely areas but at a respectful distance.
What you’ll likely see: behaviors and signs
- Foraging: eating seeds, grasses, flowers, and insects.
- Burrow activity: entrances with excavated soil, multiple openings, and sometimes food caches.
- Vigilance and alarm calls: tail flicks, standing upright, and sharp chirps when predators are nearby.
- Social interactions: chasing, play, mating behavior, or territory disputes depending on species and season.
- Seasonal changes: hibernation or reduced activity in colder months; increased feeding and fattening before hibernation.
Managing conflicts (if they become pests)
Ground squirrels can damage lawns, gardens, and structures by burrowing and feeding. If they become a problem:
- Modify habitat to make the area less attractive (remove dense seed-producing weeds, limit food sources).
- Use exclusion: bury hardware cloth or wire mesh around vegetable beds and under structures to prevent burrowing under foundations or patios.
- Live trapping and relocation is often restricted or ineffective; check local laws and consider professional wildlife control for humane, legal options.
- Use deterrents sparingly and humanely: motion-activated sprinklers, predator decoys that are moved regularly to remain effective.
- Plant less palatable varieties of vegetables or use raised beds with protected bottoms.
Tips for kids and families
- Teach children to watch quietly and respect animals’ space.
- Use field guides or apps to help identify species and behaviors.
- Encourage journaling or sketching observations — it’s a great way to notice details.
- Make a small “wild patch” for exploration and observation, rather than encouraging handling or feeding.
Safety and disease precautions
- Do not handle ground squirrels or their young. If you find an apparently orphaned juvenile, contact a local wildlife rehabilitator.
- Wash hands after outdoor activities and avoid direct contact with rodent droppings or nesting materials.
- Keep pets vaccinated and on flea/tick prevention to reduce cross-species parasite transmission.
Seasonal calendar (general)
- Spring: emergence, breeding, increased activity and foraging.
- Summer: foraging, rearing young, peak visible activity.
- Fall: caching and fattening up for winter; decreased daytime activity in late fall.
- Winter: hibernation or torpor in species that do so, with sporadic activity during warm spells.
Quick checklist to attract and observe ground squirrels
- Plant native, seed-producing plants and maintain a low-forage patch.
- Leave a small area of loose, undisturbed soil for burrows.
- Provide a clean, shallow water source.
- Observe quietly from a distance with binoculars or a spotting scope.
- Minimize pesticides and keep pets supervised.
Attracting ground squirrels can give your yard a lively, natural feel when done responsibly. Focus on habitat, not handouts, observe at a distance, and manage conflicts humanely and legally. Enjoy watching their curious, energetic behaviors while keeping safety and local rules in mind.
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