If you’ve ever watched squirrels in your yard or at the park, you probably noticed how quick, clever, and busy they are. You see them running up trees, darting across fences, or burying nuts. But then the question comes up: do squirrels actually burrow? Or do they stick to trees and nests in higher spots? The answer is a little more complex than a simple yes or no, and it depends on the type of squirrel you’re talking about.
This blog will break down everything about squirrels and burrowing. You’ll learn which species dig, why they do it, how deep they go, what it means for your garden or property, and even how to tell if burrows are active. I’ll also share some insights from my own personal experience observing squirrels in both urban and rural settings.
Let’s start by clearing up the basics.
Tree squirrels vs. ground squirrels
Not all squirrels are the same, and that’s the first step to understanding burrowing.
Tree squirrels – These include familiar types like the eastern gray squirrel, fox squirrel, and red squirrel. Tree squirrels are climbers. They build nests (dreys) made of twigs and leaves high in trees, or sometimes use tree cavities. They don’t normally create burrows in the ground.
Ground squirrels – These are a different group, and yes, they do burrow. Ground squirrels live primarily underground in elaborate tunnel systems. They come above ground to feed, but their main shelter is below the surface.
Flying squirrels – These are nocturnal squirrels that glide from tree to tree. They live in tree cavities or abandoned woodpecker holes. Like tree squirrels, they do not burrow.
So to put it plainly: tree and flying squirrels do not burrow, but ground squirrels absolutely do.
Why do ground squirrels burrow?
Burrowing serves several purposes, and it’s more than just digging holes. A burrow is essentially their version of a home, a pantry, and sometimes even a nursery.
Shelter from predators: Hawks, snakes, foxes, and even domestic cats prey on squirrels. A well-dug burrow gives them an escape route.
Protection from weather: In hot climates, underground tunnels offer cooler temperatures. In colder areas, they provide insulation.
Storing food: Squirrels are famous for caching nuts and seeds, and burrows often serve as their storage spots.
Raising young: Female ground squirrels give birth and nurse their babies in the safety of burrows.
From my own personal experience, I’ve seen ground squirrels along rural roadsides dart quickly into burrow openings at the slightest sound of a car approaching. Once they disappear, it’s almost impossible to spot where they went unless you know exactly what to look for.
What do squirrel burrows look like?
If you want to know whether squirrels are digging in your yard, you need to recognize their burrows.
- Opening size: About 2 to 4 inches wide, round or oval.
- Location: Usually near the base of bushes, fences, or open fields.
- Mounds: Unlike gophers, squirrels don’t leave large dirt mounds outside the hole. The entrance is typically bare, with a worn path leading away from it.
- Networks: Ground squirrel burrows are not shallow holes. They can stretch 5 to 30 feet in length and go 2 to 6 feet deep, with multiple entrances.
A lot of people confuse squirrel burrows with those of gophers, moles, or voles, but the difference is in the dirt piles. Gophers push soil to the surface, making fan-shaped mounds, while squirrels keep their entrances tidier.
How deep do squirrels burrow?
Ground squirrels can dig extensive tunnel systems. Depth usually depends on soil type and safety needs.
Average depth: 2 to 6 feet underground.
Length of tunnels: 5 to 30 feet or more.
Entrances: One burrow may have several escape holes.
In areas with loose or sandy soil, burrows may be shallower, while in compact soil they may be deeper for stability.
Do tree squirrels ever dig in the ground?
This is where confusion often comes in. People sometimes think tree squirrels burrow because they see them digging. But what they’re actually doing is burying food.
Tree squirrels practice a behavior called scatter-hoarding. They dig small holes in lawns or gardens to bury acorns, seeds, or nuts. These holes are shallow, usually no more than a couple of inches deep, and not meant to be lived in.
So while tree squirrels do dig, they don’t create burrows for shelter.
Seasonal habits of burrowing squirrels
Burrowing behavior also changes with the seasons.
- Spring: Females prepare nesting burrows for raising young.
- Summer: Burrows help escape the heat and provide shade.
- Fall: Squirrels expand burrows and storage areas to prepare for winter.
- Winter: In colder climates, burrows provide insulation. Some ground squirrels even hibernate inside them.
Tree squirrels, on the other hand, stay in tree nests or cavities year-round, sometimes huddling together for warmth.
Squirrels and your garden: why burrowing matters
For homeowners and gardeners, burrowing squirrels can cause mixed feelings. On one hand, they’re fascinating creatures to watch. On the other, their digging can create real challenges.
Damage to lawns: Multiple burrow entrances leave holes that can be tripping hazards.
Crop loss: Ground squirrels raid gardens, eating vegetables, fruits, and seeds.
Structural risks: Burrows near buildings or under driveways can weaken the soil foundation.
Competition with other animals: Their burrows can sometimes be taken over by snakes, skunks, or other wildlife.
From my own personal experience, I once had ground squirrels near an old shed. Over time, their tunnels caused part of the ground to sag, which made mowing the area tricky.
Do all ground squirrels burrow the same way?
Not exactly. Different species have unique styles.
- California ground squirrels: Known for burrows with multiple entrances and often found in colonies.
- Thirteen-lined ground squirrels: Create long, narrow tunnels in open grassy areas.
- Rock squirrels: Dig burrows under rocks or structures, sometimes expanding existing cracks.
Each adapts its burrow design to local conditions and threats.
How long do squirrels stay in a burrow?
Ground squirrels can spend a lot of time inside burrows, especially in hot or cold seasons. On average, they spend nights inside and only come out during daylight hours to feed. In extreme summer heat or winter cold, they may remain inside for days.
Tree squirrels, in comparison, sleep in tree nests or cavities and rarely go underground.
Do squirrels share burrows?
Yes, ground squirrels often live in colonies. One burrow system may house multiple individuals. Some share entrances but have separate chambers, while others may share family spaces.
Tree squirrels, however, are more solitary. They only share nests in winter for warmth.
How do you know if burrows are active?
If you’re trying to figure out if a squirrel burrow is still in use, look for signs like:
Fresh tracks or droppings near the entrance.
Worn paths leading to holes.
Chewed vegetation around openings.
Squirrels seen entering or exiting during the day.
Inactive burrows may be taken over by other wildlife, like snakes or insects.
Burrows and hibernation
Not all squirrels hibernate, but many ground squirrels do. Burrows play a key role in this survival tactic.
Ground squirrels: Enter hibernation or torpor in cold climates. They slow their heart rate, lower body temperature, and live off stored fat.
Tree squirrels: Do not hibernate. Instead, they remain active and rely on food caches.
What to do if you find burrowing squirrels in your yard
If ground squirrels are causing issues, you have several options:
- Observation: If they aren’t causing harm, you might just let them be. They’re part of the ecosystem.
- Prevention: Filling holes with gravel or fencing areas can help reduce digging.
- Deterrents: Motion-activated sprinklers, predator scents, or noise can discourage them.
- Professional help: In serious cases, wildlife control experts may be needed.
Always check local regulations before taking action, as squirrels are protected in some areas.
Final thoughts
So, do squirrels burrow? The short answer is: ground squirrels yes, tree squirrels no. Ground squirrels rely heavily on underground tunnels for survival, while tree squirrels stick to nests in trees and flying squirrels use tree cavities.
Burrowing is not just about digging holes, it’s about creating shelter, raising young, storing food, and surviving extreme weather.
From my own personal experience, I can say that watching squirrels and learning how they interact with their environment is fascinating. They are resourceful, adaptable, and their burrows show just how well they’ve mastered survival.