I live in a typical suburban neighborhood. For the last several years, I've had between 1 to 3 chipmunks living in my front yard. They have several holes spread around an approximately 15 sq. ft. area. I have observed them closely and I’m 100% positive that they are eastern chipmunks.

About 3-4 months ago, I observed 4 baby thirteen lined ground squirrels sticking their heads out of what had been a chipmunk hole. They are much larger now and I’m certain that they are indeed thirteen lined ground squirrels. I have never seen thirteen lined ground squirrels in my neighborhood before.

Could the ground squirrels have evicted the chipmunks? Could both animals live in the same small area? Where did these thirteen lined ground squirrels come from? I’ve seen one of the chipmunks but not near what used to be his hole.

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Both species use underground burrows for protection against the elements and to raise their young. Typically thirteen-lined ground squirrels are found in grassy, open-country habitat ,and chipmunks more in wooded habitats. But different species often take over the burrow of other animals when the original occupants move out. The two species would not occupy the burrow at the same time. I would doubt that the thirteen-lined ground squirrels pushed the chipmunks out. The chipmunks likely dug another burrow system and the thirteen-lined ground squirrels took over the old burrow.