Ground squirrel is any member of the squirrel family that burrows underground to build its nest. Ground squirrels live in deserts, meadows, mountains, prairies, and other areas. There are several kinds of ground squirrels in North America, the best known of which include chipmunks, marmots, prairie dogs, and woodchucks. Other common ground squirrels include the golden-mantled ground squirrel, Richardson’s ground squirrel, and the thirteen-lined ground squirrel.
Ground squirrels
North American ground squirrels vary in length from about 7 to 27 inches (18 to 69 centimeters), including the tail. Their fur is black, brown, gray, red, or white, and some species have spots or stripes.
Ground squirrels are active only during the day. They eat a variety of grasses, seeds, and insects. Badgers, coyotes, eagles, and hawks hunt ground squirrels. Most kinds of ground squirrels hibernate during the fall and winter. A female ground squirrel may give birth to 4 to 12 young every spring.
