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

They play a vital role in the ecosystem, eating rodents, such as ground squirrels, that often carry diseases such as hantavirus, plague and Lyme disease.

From Los Angeles Times

In one striking case, a ground squirrel bone from Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania, dated to about 1.8 million years ago, showed evidence of infection by the parasite that causes sleeping sickness in humans.

From Science Daily

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

Though the California ground squirrel is native to the area, its burrowing can contribute to coastal erosion, especially along the bluffs above Pacific Coast Highway.

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