Small Burrowers in California Valley: Ground Squirrels, Not Beavers

Question: 2.5-inch holes; not beaver habitat (inland valley, Ukiah). Saw vole/gopher-like creatures. Likely gophers, voles, rabbits combo. What to do?

Answer: Ground Squirrel Most Likely

• Too large for voles, too small for rabbits
• "Gopher" is ambiguous (moles, voles, ground squirrels, woodchucks, pocket gophers)
• Ground squirrels: open holes, diurnal, colonial

Resources

• Rodent ID & control: ICWDM rodent handbook
• Email high-res photos to svantassel2@unl.edu (read photo tips first)

Next Steps

Confirm species via photos/sightings. Control methods vary: trapping, exclusion, habitat modification. Pocket gophers plug holes; ground squirrels don't.