Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel

• Scientific Name: Spermophilus tridecemlineatus
• Niimiipuutímt: tátlo

The Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel occurs throughout much of the Rocky Mountains. Where one is seen, others are likely present. They are one of the most predacious ground squirrels in the Rockies. They have been seen climbing trees in search of a promising bird nest. By the end of the summer these squirrels are fat, irritable and sleepy. The listless squirrels curl into tight balls in their solitary nest chambers, where they will stay for about 7 months.

Description: The brownish back has 13 alternately dotted and solid, buffy stripes. The head is long and narrow with large eyes and small ears. The top of the head is buff, sprinkled with brown. The eye ring, nose, cheeks, feet and underbelly is all buffy. The sides are gray. The tail is not bushy but cylindrical and the main color is tawny. The longest tail hairs have a blackish subterminal band and a buffy tip. It is 8 to 12 inches long. The males weigh slightly more than the females, with weights ranging from 3 ounces to 8 ounces.

Range: Occurs thoughout much of central North America. In relation to the Nez Perce Trail the Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel can be found in Eastern and Central Montana.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Habitat: The squirrel originally was found in the short grass prairie. It can now be found along roadsides, golf courses, yards and cemeteries where the grass is kept short.

Food: The squirrel mainly eats seeds, leaves and grass, along with insects, small birds and lizards.

Den: The den of this squirrel almost never has an earth mound near the burrow entrance. It is typically filled with fine grass and dried roots.

Reproduction: 3-5 These squirrels mate as soon as they emerge from the burrow. After approximately 28 days a litter of usually 8 to 10 naked, blind helpless young are born. After 26 or 28 days, the young open their eyes, at which time they emerge from the burrow and switch to a diet of vegetation and meat. They are sexually mature after their first hibernation.