Golden-mantled ground squirrel

Golden-mantled ground squirrel

The Golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) is commonly mistaken for a Chipmunk because of the strips on its back. Chipmunks also have strips on their faces, which is one way to tell them apart. Chipmunks are also diminutive compared to the rotund Golden-mantled ground squirrel.

Please pay attention to me, I am about to be cute and entertaining.

Note the stripes across the back but not on the face.

Undoubtedly bored with their diet of berries, seeds, fungi, nuts, and insects they are notorious beggars that will plague picnickers in populated areas like Rocky Mountain National Park. In fact, the specimen in this post was a trail clown posing for me as I made my way to Lake Haiyaha. I viewed its joyful frolicking in the dirt as a celebration of life and of summer. These squirrels hibernate most of the winter and summer is their time to eat, play, and reproduce. I would be frolicking in the dirt too!

I will now roll in the dirt. Perhaps you will feed me when I am done.

My right cheek pouch is already full. That will be 4 Doritos please.

Prodigious burrowers, these squirrels live underground much to the scorn of the arboreal Fox Squirrel. Collecting snacks for the winter, they store food in their infinitely expanding cheek pouches. Puffed up and oh so cute I think this evolutionary strategy has changed to lure foolish hikers into giving up their lunches. Don't be fooled! Insects are a much better diet than tortilla chips for this squirrel, and probably for yourself as well.

Since you refuse to feed me, I shall kick dirt in your face...GOODBYE!