Ground squirrel fur contains a mix of gray, brown, and yellow hairs. Average body size is about 30 cm (12 in), with a tail about 15 cm (5.9 in) long. Ground squirrels tend to have bushy tails, similar to a fox squirrel. California ground squirrels excavate burrows which they use as shelter. They have habits of staying within a 25 m (82 ft) range of their burrow.
Fun Fact California ground squirrels are often regarded as a pest in gardens and parks, since they will feed off ornamental plants and trees.