Golden-mantled ground squirrel

Golden-mantled ground squirrel ( Spermophilus lateralis)

The or the Golden-mantled ground squirrel ( Spermophilus lateralis) is a representative of squirrels ( Sciuridae ) and is found in western North America. It reaches a body size of 23 to 30 centimeters and lives in all forest types in North America. Its diet consists of seeds, fruits, nuts and various subterranean fungi. He is hunted by hawks, coyotes, foxes and weasels.

Appearance

In his coloring of the Golden-mantled ground squirrel resembles the chipmunks North America. He carries on his body sides black stripes and has a golden brown fur. However, he has no face-stripes.

The gold -mantled ground squirrel lives in almost its entire area of ​​distribution in similar habitats as other ground squirrels. In Bryce Canyon National Park as he comes next to the Uinta chipmunk ( Eutamias umbrinus ) and the Felsenziesel before ( Spermophilus variegatus ). The gold -mantled ground squirrel holds a hibernation and creates storage caves. In order to gather food, he has large cheek pouches.

The tunnel systems of the Golden-mantled Ziesels reach up to 30 meters in length, the output is usually hidden in a bush. The female gives birth every year four to six young in summer.