Meet the Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel
- IPWA
- 8h
- 3 min read
By Rob Pudim
The Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis) is often mistaken for a Chipmunk (Tamias quadrivittatus) because of its resemblance. However, it is larger and has no stripes on its head. The tail is also shorter. On its neck and shoulders is a russet to golden "mantle." It also has cheek pouches for carrying food. Sometimes called “Goldies” these squirrels lead an interesting life in the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness areas.
You make the call! Is a golden-mantled ground squirrel a chipmunk?
The Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis) is a year-round resident of the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas. This squirrel does resemble a big, fat chipmunk, but unlike a chipmunk its stripes do not reach the sides of its face and it has a white eye-ring.
Of the roughly 38 species of ground squirrels in the U.S., only two, the Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel and the California Ground Squirrel (S. beecheyi), live at high elevations. There are three other ground squirrels in Colorado; the Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel (S. tridecemlineatus), the Spotted Ground Squirrel (S. spilosoma) and the Rock Squirrel (S. variegatus). Can you spot a “Goldie” in the squirrel group below?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Which did you pick ? See answer below.
When spring arrives, the males pop out of their burrows and fight with other males for a territory. About three weeks later, the females mate with whatever Goldie controls the territory. Other than when mating and raising pups, Golden-mantled Squirrels tend to be loners.
Goldies are close to being true hibernators. They have been known to wake up briefly in the winter for a seed snack. Their generic name, Spermophilus, means "seed lover" however, they are omnivorous, eating seeds, fungi, herbs, insects, eggs and lizards. (I saw one on Sugarloaf Road eating roadkill.) They are brash beggars around humans and will probably eat anything thrown their way.
Goldies and Marmots react to one another's alarm signal. When alerted, Goldies duck into their burrows that can be up to 100 feet long. These burrows are used by other animals, too.
Common Occupants of Ground Squirrel Burrows include:
Burrowing Owls (Athene cunicularia): Frequently occupy the abandoned burrows of ground squirrels, relying on them for nesting, particularly in areas where these squirrels are common.
Yellow-pine Chipmunks (Tamias amoenus): Often nest in close proximity, sometimes within 10 meters of ground squirrel nests.
Boreal Toads (Bufo boreas): Use the burrows for hibernation.
Snakes: Various snake species may use the tunnels for shelter.
Other Small Mammals: Mice and weasels may use the tunnels, particularly those that are not being actively defended. (Idaho Fish and Game)
They are important members of the alpine tundra ecosystem because not only do they disperse seeds, but because they are also a major food item for predators that live at high-elevation. I wonder how they feel about being a popular snack.
If you’d like to know even more, Caitlin Wells, Assistant Professor in the Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University, has several interesting research articles about Golden-mantled Squirrels at her website: https://caitlinpwells.weebly.com/.
Picture Quiz Answer:
A. California Ground Squirrel
B. Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel
C. Spotted Ground Squirrel
D. Golden-mantled Squirrel
E. Rock Squirrel
References:
Naturalist column exploring high country flora, fauna and geography
IPWA volunteers are often asked by visitors not just about the trails, but about what they are seeing in the Indian Peaks and James Peak Wilderness Areas. This column will cover some of the plants, animals and geographic features that hikers, anglers and backpackers may come across in these areas.
About Rob Pudim
A long time Boulder resident, Rob describes himself as “a coal-miner's son from Pennsylvania, a "fallen" scientist (Chemistry, Rutgers University and Microbiology, Tulane University) an editorial cartoonist, an amateur lepidopterist, a Native Plant Master, and a long-time birder”. His affiliation with IPWA goes back to its founding in the 1980s.