California

So, no. I don't see them moving to Gophers.

Yes, ground squirrels in areas with plague circulating can be infected. But like the prairie dogs that are more likely to be the unfortunate vector (and which die off quickly) a healthy colony that has not had die-offs suggesting plague circulating in recent years, is not a threat (or an excuse to exterminate). The same goes for ground squirrels in the absence of confirmed plague. Die-offs of ground squirrels, like wild rabbits are far more likely to be the result of cyclical Tularemia.

Let the wild be wild and live and let live...and only well-trained rehab personnel or veterinarians with wildlife experience handle these animals. They are not meant to be pets.