Russet Ground Squirrel

activity

Activity patterns. The Russet Ground Squirrel is diurnal and active aboveground in late spring, usually March-April, and immerges beginning in late June (older males) to September for adults and August-September for juveniles.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Diverse grasslands, steppes, meadows, and plains. The Russet Ground Squirrel can be found in more xeric open short-grass steppe into more mesic forest foreststeppe zone. It appears capable of persisting and perhaps expanding distribution in human-modified environments that promote short grass and open environments and in more arid habitats.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Russet Ground Squirrel lives in loose colonies in which dominance rank is well defined and aggressive interactions are uncommon. It is territorial, and males defend a large area and females settle in larger territories. Young males disperse further than females. Females are philopatric and form kin clusters and matrilines that share space. High-pitched, short vocalizations are commonly produced in colonies.

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. The Russet Ground Squirrel inhabits burrows but maternity burrows appear to be more convoluted with at least two entrances and vegetation-lined nest chamber in which young are born. Males appear to emerge before females in spring. Individuals mate soon after emergence. Litters average 7 - 8 young that emerge from burrows in late spring.

Sciuridae