ground squirrel

American  

noun

1. any of several terrestrial rodents of the squirrel family, as of the genus Citellus and chipmunks of the genus Tamias. circ;circ;

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ground squirrel British  

noun

1. Also called: gopher.  any burrowing sciurine rodent of the genus Citellus and related genera, resembling chipmunks and occurring in North America, E Europe, and Asia

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Etymology

Origin of ground squirrel

An Americanism dating back to 1680–90

Example Sentences

Groundhogs, a type of large ground squirrel native to North America, are commonplace around the track in Montreal, which is on an artificial island in the Saint Lawrence River.

From BBC

Every spring, a new litter of ground squirrels make its way to the surface of Palisades Park, eventually becoming accustomed to people and their delicious handouts.

From Los Angeles Times

For every observation of a California poppy or a ground squirrel, there are three western fence lizards.

From Los Angeles Times

A UC Davis study found a population of Bay Area ground squirrels hunting and eating voles, suggesting the species may be more flexible in its diet than previously thought.

From Los Angeles Times

“The fact that California ground squirrels are behaviorally flexible and can respond to changes in food availability might help them persist in environments rapidly changing due to the presence of humans,” Wild said.

From Los Angeles Times