Five species of burrowing ground squirrels from the grasslands of North America, named for their bark-like warning call. They live in family groups inside large colonies, and their digging helps renew grass and topsoil.
Quick answers
What is it?Mammal
Carnivore?No, herbivore
Dangerous?No
Domesticated?No
Awake when?Daytime
Hibernates?No
Kept as a pet?Sometimes
Once taken from the wild for the exotic pet trade, but they are difficult pets needing constant care.
Do people eat it?No
At a glance
Found inNorth America
HabitatGrassland
ColoursTan, Brown
SizeTiny
Length30–40 cm, including the short tail
Weight0.5–1.5 kg
Legs4
Covered inFur
Lives incolonies
Lives for8–10 years
In the wild
- Where it lives
- The Great Plains and grasslands of the western United States, the Canadian Prairies and northern Mexico.
- What it eats
- Mainly grasses and small seeds, plus forbs, roots, fruit and buds; sometimes insects.
Did you know
Its calls describe a predator's size, colour and speed, and it greets family with a kiss.
Burrows can have up to six entrances, with mounds used as lookout posts.
Family members greet each other with "kisses" and grooming, but not outsiders.
Often confused with
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