Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel
Callospermophilus lateralis

f5.6 @ 1/1600s, ISO:800, Nikon D300S w 300mm


\"Golden mantled Ground Squirrel,\" Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.The golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) is a type of ground squirrel found in mountainous areas of western North America. It eats seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and underground fungi. It is preyed upon by hawks, jays, weasels, foxes, bobcats, and coyotes. A typical adult ranges from 23 to 30 centimetres (9.1–12 in) in length. The golden-mantled ground squirrel can be identified by its chipmunk-like stripes and coloration, but unlike chipmunks, it lacks any facial stripes. It is commonly found living in the same habitat as Uinta chipmunks.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.
Canadian Rocky Mountains
 
08/04/2011