Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel

Golden-mantled ground squirrels are mammals in Yellowstone National Park.

NPS

 

Golden-mantled ground squirrel tracks

Scientific Name

Spermophilus lateralis

Identification

• 9–12 inches long, 7.4–11 ounces.
• Adult head and shoulders are reddish-brown, their “mantle.”
• Often mistaken for a least chipmunk (described below); distinguished by larger size, more robust body, shorter tail, and stripes that do not extend onto the sides of the head.

Habitat

• Found throughout Yellowstone at all elevations in rocky areas, edges of mountain meadows, forest openings, tundra.
• 87% of diet consists of fungi and leaves of flowering plants; other foods include buds, seeds, nuts, roots, bird eggs, insects, and carrion.
• Predators include coyotes, weasels, badgers, hawks, grizzly bears.

Behavior

• Hibernate October to March or April.
• Breeding occurs shortly after both males and females emerge from hibernation; one litter of five young per year.