Golden-mantled ground squirrel
A species of Mountain striped ground squirrels Scientific name : Callospermophilus lateralis Genus : Mountain striped ground squirrels
Golden-mantled ground squirrel, A species of Mountain striped ground squirrels
Scientific name: Callospermophilus lateralis
Genus: Mountain striped ground squirrels
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
This ground squirrel is generally about 23 to 29 cm (9.1 to 11.4 in) in length. It has whitish or yellow-gray underparts. The tail is brown to black with buff edges and a yellowish to reddish underside. It has pale rings around the eyes. The "mantle" across the shoulders is tawny to reddish, with males having a deeper reddish tinge. This species is distinguished from similar ground squirrels by a black-bordered white stripe down each side of the back. Some authors describe many subspecies of this taxon. 
General Info
Lifespan
2-6 years
Diet
Golden-mantled ground squirrel primarily feeds on plant-based items including various seeds, nuts, and berries. A significant portion of its diet comprises of above-ground vegetation and leaf matter, supplemented occasionally by insects and other small invertebrates.
Appearance
Golden-mantled ground squirrel is a small, slender-bodied rodent with dense, short fur. Its coloration primarily consists of reddish-brown and white, featuring crisp, white stripes running down the sides of its body. It is known for its prominent, bushy tail. Noteworthy, there is no significant variation in appearance due to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Golden-mantled ground squirrel are diurnal hibernators, feeding primarily on seeds and vegetation. They show exceptional burrowing activity for nesting and are often solitary outside mating season. Grooming itself meticulously, golden-mantled ground squirrel has been observed to display territorial behavior, including vocal calls and body postures, to fend off intruders. Its behavior optimizes survival in harsh alpine conditions.
Population
Stable
Photo By Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Mammals Order
Gnawing mammals Family
Squirrels Species
Golden-mantled ground squirrel 
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