Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrel

Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrel

Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrel

The thirteen-lined ground squirrel, also known as the striped gopher, leopard ground squirrel, squinney, and as the leopard-spermophile in Audubon’s day, is a ground squirrel. It is widely distributed over grasslands and prairies of North America.

I found a pair that had dug a tunnel system under a rock and it extended under an entire driveway with another exit on the opposite side of the driveway.

Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrel - Dig extensive tunnels underground.

I watched and followed the pair over the course of an afternoon. They were extremely shy and didn’t want to come all the way out of their home.  About an hour passed and finally.  One of the critters came out for a full body view.

Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrel - Dig extensive tunnels underground.

In the afternoon sun, their coats just glistened. The prominent stripes and patterns in their fur is amazing.

Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrel - Dig extensive tunnels underground.

They are beautiful creatures, but I know that many people have issues due to their destructive nature of tunneling within their yards.

Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrel

People Mistake Them For Gophers 

Many times people think they are gophers when they inhabit lawns and gardens. I never like to rid the earth of critters. I like to try and live trap and relocate them.

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