Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis)

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Photo by Christine Y.

Published on Project Noah

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Field Notes

Description:

The golden-mantled ground squirrel is similar to chipmunks in more than just its appearance. Although it is a traditional hibernator, building up its body fat so to survive the winter asleep, it is also known to store some food in its burrow, like the chipmunk, for consumption upon waking in the spring. Both the golden-mantled ground squirrel and the chipmunk have cheek pouches for carrying food. Cheek pouches allow them to transport food back to their nests and still run at full speed on all fours.

Habitat:

Crater Lake, Oregon

Notes:

Thanks to Malcolm Wilton-Jones for the ID. I never would have thought that this was actually a squirrel!

Reference Links:

Golden-mantled ground squirrel

Species ID Suggestions

eastern chipmunk

Tamias striatus

Reference Link

Mona Pirih

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