Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
Callospermophilus lateralis
What it is
The golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) is a ground squirrel native to western North America. It is distributed in British Columbia and Alberta through the western United States to California, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Where and when to find it
- Habitat
- Found in mountainous regions of the western United States, living in rocky areas, forests, and alpine meadows.
- How to find it
- Look for them scampering over rocks and logs. Sit quietly and watch near rock piles or fallen trees in the mountains.
- Best time of day
- Daytime, spring through fall (they hibernate in winter).
How it lives
- What it eats
- Seeds, nuts, berries, insects, fungi
- What eats it
- Hawks, eagles, weasels, coyotes
Worth knowing
- They can carry a lot of food in their cheek pouches.
- They look a bit like chipmunks but are slightly larger.
- They hibernate through the cold winter months.
- Their stripes help them blend in with the rocky mountain environment.
- They communicate with chirps and alarm calls.
- They are important seed dispersers, helping new plants grow.
Why it matters
These active rodents help spread seeds and aerate the soil with their digging. They are also a food source for other animals.