Rio Grande Ground Squirrel

activity

Activity patterns. The Rio Grande Ground Squirrelis diurnal and hibernates for c. 7 months in relatively simple burrow systems beginning as early late July. Adult males immerge by August, females by September, and young-of-the-year may stay aboveground until October. Where winters are mild, it may stay active year-round.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Habitat. Grassy habitats and grassy shrublandsin arid regions. The Rio Grande Ground Squirrel can live in human-maintained grassy habitats, such as cemeteries, maintained lawns, mowed parks, and golf courses that promote short grass.

Sciuridae

biology_ecology

Movements, Home range and Social organization. The Rio Grande Ground Squirrel can live at very low densities and appears to be solitary although tolerant of home range overlap and colonial in good habitat. Loosely structured colonies can occur in high-quality habitat. Aggressive chases are common. Home ranges are less than 90 m in diameter. Alarm calls are short high-pitched trills that elicit vigilance from nearby individuals.

Sciuridae

breeding

Breeding. The Rio Grande Ground Squirrellives in burrows that are relatively simple; however, maternity burrows are often more convoluted. Males emerge from hibernation first in March, and females emerge 2 — 4 weeks later. Mating season can be lengthy extending for 20 - 71 days in March-April. After gestation of 28 - 30 days, litters of 2 - 10 young are born. Juveniles emerge 30 - 54 days later in late spring or summer and are weaned by August when they disperse from natal areas.

Sciuridae