What is the difference between a Gopher and a Squirrel?
Gophers are burrowing animals with stocky bodies, short legs and short tails, while squirrels have long slender bodies, long bushy tails, and claws well adapted for climbing.
Gopher vs Squirrel Appearance and Size
The difference between a Gopher and Squirrels appearance is Gophers are typically brown and chubby, while squirrels can be grey or reddish in color.
Gophers have short ears, whereas squirrels have large, furry ears. Gophers are also much smaller than squirrels, with an average length of 7 to 8 inches and a maximum length of 14 inches, compared to the commonly 15-inch long squirrel.
Both animals have short tails, but gophers’ are shorter and more stubby while squirrels’ are longer and bushier. Gophers have prominent front claws, whereas squirrels have long back claws for climbing trees.
Gopher vs Squirrel Families
Gophers are members of the Geomyidae family, while Squirrels are part of the Sciuridae family.
Both families have numerous species, with gophers having over 100 subspecies and squirrels having around 200 subspecies.
Gopher species can include pocket gophers and kangaroo rats, while squirrel species can include eastern gray squirrels and red squirrels.
Squirrel vs Gopher Food & Diet
The difference between Gopher and Squirrels diets is quite clear. Gophers and Squirrels both have a diet that includes nuts, seeds, fruit, fungi, and various insects.
However, gophers tend to be more herbivorous in nature than squirrels as they mainly eat plant material such as roots and tubers. On the other hand, squirrels can also be omnivores since they will sometimes eat eggs and small animals.
Gophers will also feed on grasses, while squirrels tend to eat more bark, buds and leaves.
Squirrel vs Gopher Holes
Gophers primarily inhabit underground burrows, whereas squirrels can be found both on the ground or in trees.
Gopher burrows are shallow and typically have several entrances with a mound of dirt above them. Squirrels, on the other hand, build nests in trees or sometimes build burrows in the ground.
Gophers and Squirrels also have different behaviors when it comes to their burrows. Gophers will defend their burrows against predators, while Squirrels may move to a different nest if they sense danger.
Gophers use their burrows to store food and shelter from predators, whereas Squirrels will use their nests to give birth, raise young and as a place of safety.
Gopher vs Squirrel Habits
The difference between Squirrel and Gopher habits is quite distinct. Gophers are solitary creatures while squirrels live in groups.
Gophers are also active during the day while squirrels tend to be more active in the early morning and late afternoon. Gophers can often be seen digging tunnels or foraging for food, whereas squirrels spend most of their time gathering nuts and seeds to store for later use.
Gophers are solitary creatures and prefer to live alone, while squirrels will form groups and often share nests. Gophers usually keep their tunnels closed, while squirrels will often open their nests in order to share food or warmth with other members of the group.
Gophers also tend to be more wary of humans and will often hide when they sense someone approaching, while squirrels may become curious and approach people in search of food.
Gopher vs Squirrel Predators
Common predators of gophers include skunks, foxes, weasels, coyotes, hawks and owls. Squirrels have a similar list of predators including snakes, cats, dogs and birds of prey.
Both animals can also be victims of poisoning or trapping by humans when they become pests in gardens or yards.
Squirrel vs Gopher Weight & Lifespan
Gophers typically range from 6-13 ounces in weight, while squirrels can weigh anywhere from 3-15 ounces. The size difference between the two animals is quite noticeable, as gophers are generally much smaller than squirrels.
Despite the differences in size, both animals have similar lifespans with gophers living between 2-3 years while squirrels can live up to 10 years.
Gopher vs Squirrel Adaptations
Gophers have strong front claws and large molars which they use to dig and chew through tough plant material.
They also have oversized hind feet that allow them to push dirt away from burrow entrances as they dig. Squirrels, on the other hand, have adapted to living in trees with their sharp claws for gripping branches and a long fluffy tail for balance.
They also have good eyesight which helps them find food and spot potential predators.
Gopher vs squirrel Damage
Gophers can cause significant damage to gardens and yards by burrowing through the soil in search of food.
They can also uproot plants and destroy lawns by eating the grass roots.
Squirrels, on the other hand, are more likely to damage flower beds, trees, and shrubs as they forage for food.
They can also chew through wires or cables in search of nesting material.
Gopher vs Squirrel vs Mole
Moles are a bit different than both gophers and squirrels. They have small body size and short legs which makes them excellent diggers.
They also have velvety fur which helps them move through the soil more easily. Unlike gophers and squirrels, moles mainly feed on earthworms, grubs and insects.
They don’t construct burrows but instead dig shallow tunnels and can often be found living in the same area as gophers and squirrels.
Gopher vs Squirrel vs Chipmunk
Chipmunks are another small mammal that is often confused with gophers and squirrels. They have a similar body shape to squirrels, but have stripes on their sides and cheeks, as well as a bushy tail.
Chipmunks are omnivores and feed mostly on fruits, nuts, seeds and insects. They are also excellent climbers, able to scamper up trees with ease. Unlike gophers, chipmunks are social animals and form large groups that share nests and food.
Gopher vs Squirrel vs Groundhog
Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks, are similar in size and behavior to gophers and squirrels. They are often found living in the same areas and can be equally destructive to your garden or yard.
However, groundhogs are mostly active during the day and also feed on plants, grasses, fruits and nuts. They are also excellent climbers and can spend a lot of time in trees to avoid predators.
Gopher and Squirrel Control Methods
Gophers and Squirrels can both become pests in yards or gardens, so it is important to know the best methods for controlling them.
The most common method for gopher control is trapping, poison baiting, or fumigation. For squirrels, habitat modification and exclusion are usually the most successful methods of control.
Regardless of the animal, it is important to be aware of the laws and regulations in your area when attempting to control gophers or squirrels. Additionally, some methods such as trapping can be dangerous, so if you are considering this method it is important to contact a professional for advice.
Other humane methods of controlling these animals include repellents and ultrasonic sound devices. Taking these steps can help to ensure that you are able to effectively control gophers and squirrels without endangering yourself, the animals or your property.
For more information about controlling gophers and squirrels, consult your local extension office or wildlife management agency. Your local experts can provide you with advice and resources specific to your area. Additionally, you can find resources online about effective gopher and squirrel control methods that are safe for animals, humans, and the environment.
What is the difference between a Gopher and a Squirrel?
The main difference between a Gopher and a Squirrel is size, habitat and behavior. Gophers are smaller and live in underground burrows, while squirrels are larger and make their homes in trees.
Gophers are solitary creatures and prefer to keep to themselves, while squirrels form social groups and often share nests. Predators of Gophers include skunks, foxes, weasels, coyotes, hawks and owls while Squirrels have a similar list of predators including snakes, cats, dogs and birds of prey.
Understanding these differences can help people better assess and control Gophers and Squirrels in their yards or gardens.
