Ground Squirrel Size vs. Tree Squirrel Size

Attribute	Ground Squirrel Size	Tree Squirrel Size
Body Length	8-12 inches	8-10 inches
Tail Length	4-9 inches	6-10 inches
Weight	0.5-1.5 pounds	0.5-1.5 pounds
Color	Varies by species, typically brown or gray	Varies by species, typically brown or gray
Habitat	Open grasslands, meadows, and deserts	Forests, urban areas, and parks

Physical Appearance

Ground squirrels and tree squirrels are both members of the Sciuridae family, but they have distinct physical differences when it comes to size. Ground squirrels tend to be larger and heavier than tree squirrels. Ground squirrels typically range from 8 to 12 inches in length, while tree squirrels are usually smaller, measuring around 6 to 10 inches in length. In terms of weight, ground squirrels can weigh anywhere from 8 to 16 ounces, while tree squirrels are lighter, weighing between 4 to 10 ounces.

Fur Color and Texture

Another noticeable difference between ground squirrels and tree squirrels is their fur color and texture. Ground squirrels often have a more muted color palette, with shades of brown, gray, and black dominating their fur. Their fur is also coarser and thicker, which helps them stay warm in their underground burrows. In contrast, tree squirrels have a wider range of fur colors, including red, gray, black, and even white. Their fur is softer and smoother, which allows them to glide through the trees with ease.

Habitat and Behavior

Ground squirrels and tree squirrels also differ in their preferred habitats and behaviors. Ground squirrels are burrowing animals that live in underground tunnels, hence their name. They are often found in open grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields. Ground squirrels are known for their social behavior, living in colonies and communicating with each other through various vocalizations. On the other hand, tree squirrels are arboreal creatures that spend most of their time in trees. They are commonly found in forests, parks, and urban areas with plenty of trees. Tree squirrels are more solitary animals, only coming together during the mating season.

Diet and Feeding Habits

When it comes to diet and feeding habits, ground squirrels and tree squirrels have some similarities but also some differences. Ground squirrels are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods such as seeds, nuts, insects, and even small vertebrates. They are known to hoard food in their burrows to sustain them during the winter months. Tree squirrels are also omnivores, but they have a stronger preference for nuts and seeds. They are famous for their habit of storing nuts in various locations, a behavior known as caching.

Reproduction and Lifespan

Reproduction and lifespan are two more areas where ground squirrels and tree squirrels diverge. Ground squirrels typically have shorter lifespans, living around 5 to 7 years in the wild. They reach sexual maturity at around one year of age and can produce multiple litters of offspring each year. Tree squirrels, on the other hand, have longer lifespans, with some species living up to 10 years in the wild. They reach sexual maturity at around one to two years of age and usually have one or two litters of offspring per year.

Interaction with Humans

Both ground squirrels and tree squirrels have interactions with humans, but these interactions can vary depending on the species and the location. Ground squirrels are often considered pests by farmers and gardeners because they can damage crops and gardens with their burrowing and feeding habits. In contrast, tree squirrels are more commonly seen as cute and entertaining creatures, especially in urban areas where they are accustomed to humans. Tree squirrels are known for their acrobatic abilities and playful antics, which can delight onlookers.