Wondering what sets gophers and squirrels apart? While these small animals might look alike, they each have distinct characteristics that make them unique.

In this blog, we’ll go through the key differences between gophers and squirrels, covering everything from their appearance to their lifestyle.

If you’re a nature lover or just curious, you’ll learn plenty of facts to help you distinguish between these two creatures.

Physical Appearance

• Size: Gophers are generally smaller, usually around 5-14 inches long, while squirrels range from 8-20 inches, making them noticeably larger.
• Body Shape: Gophers have a compact, rounder body built for digging, while squirrels have leaner, more agile bodies designed for climbing.
• Fur Color: Gophers typically have dull brown or gray fur, blending into the ground, while squirrels come in a wider range of colors: gray, brown, black, or even red.
• Tail: Squirrels sport long, bushy tails that help with balance, while gophers have shorter, less noticeable tails.
• Facial Features: Gophers have smaller eyes and larger cheek pouches, whereas squirrels have larger, brighter eyes and a more expressive face.

Diet and Feeding Habits

While both gophers and squirrels are herbivores, their diets and feeding habits differ significantly:

Behavior and Activity Patterns

Here’s the comparison of the key behavioral differences between gophers and squirrels:

Gophers

• Solitary creatures that live and forage alone.
• Spend most of their time underground, digging complex tunnel systems.
• Diurnal and crepuscular, meaning they’re most active during the day and especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Rarely seen above ground, except when digging or searching for food.

Squirrels

• Social animals, often seen in groups or interacting with other squirrels.
• During the day, they spend their time foraging for food, climbing trees, and running along power lines.
• Known for their high energy, they constantly jump between trees or dart across the ground.
• Frequently seen in urban areas, parks, and backyards due to their adaptability.

Damage to Property & Landscape

Gophers and squirrels both cause damage to property and landscapes in different ways.

Gophers are notorious for their underground tunneling, which destroys plant roots, creates unsightly dirt mounds, and poses tripping hazards with uneven ground.

On the other hand, squirrels can damage trees by gnawing on bark, raid bird feeders, chew through wires and insulation to build nests, and disturb garden beds while foraging for food.

While both animals can cause frustration for homeowners, the damage they cause is often linked to their unique behaviors and habits.

How to Get Rid of Them

• Trap and Relocate: Use live traps to catch both gophers and squirrels, then relocate them far from your property.
• Repellents: Use natural repellents like castor oil for gophers and peppermint oil or cayenne pepper for squirrels to keep them from coming back.
• Seal Entry Points: For squirrels, block entryways into attics or homes to prevent nesting indoors.
• Protect Plants: Use wire mesh or underground barriers to protect plants from gophers.
• Remove Food Sources: Keep bird feeders away from trees or rooftops to make it harder for squirrels to access them.
• Professional Help: If the problem persists, contact a pest control professional for effective solutions.

Conclusion

Let’s be real, gophers and squirrels are way more interesting than you might think.

Sure, they might seem like just another pair of small critters digging around your yard, but each one’s got its own cool story.

Next time you catch a glimpse of something scurrying about, you’ll actually know if it’s a ground-dwelling gopher or a tree-jumping squirrel.