The Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel is a native North American species.

The Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel (Scientific name: Callospermophilus lateralis) is a small rodent that is commonly found in western parts of North America. They are known for their distinctive golden-red fur on their back and their white underbelly, making them easily identifiable.

These squirrels are diurnal creatures.

The Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels are active during the day and spend most of their time foraging for food and interacting with other members of their colony. They are known for their playful behavior and can often be seen scampering around in search of seeds, nuts, berries, and insects.

They are excellent burrowers.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels are skilled diggers and create elaborate burrow systems underground. These burrows serve as their homes, as well as protection from predators and extreme weather conditions. They will usually have multiple entrances and chambers within their burrow system.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels hibernate during the winter.

During the colder months, these squirrels enter a state of hibernation to conserve energy. They will retreat to their burrows and slow down their metabolism, surviving off the fat stores they have accumulated during the summer months. This helps them survive the harsh winter conditions when food is scarce.

They have a varied diet.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels have an omnivorous diet, feeding on a variety of plant matter, seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and even small vertebrates. This diverse diet allows them to adapt to different environments and ensures a steady food supply throughout the year.

These squirrels are not true hibernators.

Unlike some other hibernating animals, Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels are not true hibernators. They may wake up periodically during their hibernation period to drink water and adjust their position in the burrow. This is known as “interrupted hibernation.”

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels communicate through vocalizations.

These squirrels use various vocalizations such as chirps, clicks, and alarm calls to communicate with each other. They have different calls for alerting their colony to potential dangers or marking their territory.

They are solitary animals.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels are primarily solitary creatures, only coming together during the breeding season. Outside of the mating season, they prefer to live and forage alone, maintaining a territory of their own.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels have a lifespan of 5-6 years.

On average, these squirrels live for about 5 to 6 years in the wild. However, some individuals have been known to live longer, reaching up to 10 years of age. Their lifespan can vary depending on various factors such as predation, food availability, and environmental conditions.

They are preyed upon by various predators.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels are vulnerable to predation from a wide range of predators, including hawks, eagles, owls, snakes, coyotes, foxes, and bobcats. Their excellent burrowing skills and keen sense of hearing help them evade potential threats.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels are not true squirrels.

Although they are commonly referred to as ground squirrels, Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels are not part of the squirrel family (Sciuridae). They belong to a different taxonomic group called the “marmot-like ground squirrels.”

They are excellent climbers.

Despite their ground-dwelling nature, Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels are also proficient climbers. They use their sharp claws and strong limbs to navigate trees and shrubs, especially when they need to escape from predators or find additional food sources.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels have a unique mating season.

These squirrels typically mate in the early spring, shortly after coming out of hibernation. The females give birth to a litter of 3-6 young ones after a gestation period of about a month. The young squirrels are independent and ready to explore the world within a few weeks of being born.

They are known for their cheek pouches.

Similar to other ground squirrels, Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels have cheek pouches that they use to carry and store food. They can quickly fill up their pouches and transport the food back to their burrows for storage.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels have a predator-like defense mechanism.

When threatened, these squirrels will often freeze in place and remain motionless, resembling a potential predator. This behavior confuses their predators, giving the squirrels a chance to escape from harm.

They have a symbiotic relationship with birds.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels have a mutually beneficial relationship with certain bird species. These birds, such as the Clark’s Nutcracker, feed on the squirrel’s leftover food, while the squirrels benefit from the birds’ warning calls when predators are nearby.

They undergo a period of hyperphagia before hibernation.

Prior to entering hibernation, Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels go through a phase called hyperphagia. During this period, they significantly increase their food intake to build up fat reserves, which will sustain them during the winter months.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels are important seed dispersers.

By caching and forgetting about their food stores, these squirrels unknowingly contribute to seed dispersal. This behavior aids in the distribution and growth of various plant species, helping to maintain the ecological balance in their habitats.

They have a keen sense of smell.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels rely heavily on their sense of smell to locate food, detect predators, and communicate with other squirrels. Their olfactory abilities are well-developed, allowing them to navigate their surroundings effectively.

Golden Mantled Ground Squirrels can carry diseases.

As with many rodent species, these squirrels can carry diseases such as plague and ticks. It is important to exercise caution when encountering these animals in the wild and to avoid direct contact.