More commonly known as gophers, Richardson's Ground Squirrels are medium-sized (12 in long), light-brown rodents with a short tail and very small ears. You'll often spot the holes to their burrows when walking on the grasslands of southwestern Canada and northwestern United States.
Richardson's Ground Squirrels communicate through a variety of squeaks, chirps, and whistles. They stand up on their hind legs and look around them when they hear an alarm call.
Richardson's Ground Squirrels hibernate for 4-8 months of the year, depending on age and sex. You're most likely to spot them in the spring when the young come above ground and all ages and sexes are active.
Could it be? Prairie Dogs are larger and have a shorter tail (compared to their body size).
Did you know? Each adult female has her own tunnel where she raises her litter without help from the male.
See Also: 13-lined Ground Squirrel, Bushy-tailed Woodrat, Least Chipmunk, Marmot, Marten, Pika, Red-tailed Chipmunk, Squirrel, Weasel, Yellow-pine Chipmunk
