Belding's ground squirrel
A species of Ground squirrels, Also known as Sage rat Scientific name : Urocitellus beldingi Genus : Ground squirrels
Belding's ground squirrel, A species of Ground squirrels
Also known as:
Sage rat
Scientific name: Urocitellus beldingi
Genus: Ground squirrels
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren , used under CC-BY-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Belding Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus beldingi, Syn: Spermophilus beldingi) is a species of ground squirrel, which belong within the order of rodents to the family of croissants. It lives in the mountains in the western United States and feeds mainly vegetable. Most of the knowledge about Belding Ground Squirrel is based on over 20 years of observations of a population at the Tioga Pass in Yosemite National Park.
General Info
Lifespan
6-10 years
Diet
Belding's ground squirrel primarily feeds on plants, favoring seeds, flowers, and grasses. The animal also consumes insects, especially during summer months. Despite its herbivorous tendencies, belding's ground squirrel includes small vertebrates in its varied diet on occasion.
Appearance
Belding's ground squirrel is a compact, ground-dwelling rodent with short limbs and a bushy tail. Its fur, velvet-like, ranges from dark gray to rusty red. Distinctive black bands on its sides during the mating season set it apart. Juveniles bear similar coloration but have softer fur. Females, mature ones, exhibit smaller body size compared to males. A prominent attribute, the white eye-ring, fades with age, more noticeably in males.
Behavior
Belding's ground squirrel is a diurnal and highly social species that lives in large colonies. They exhibit vigorous territorial defense with loud vocalizations and display behaviors toward intruders. For survival, belding's ground squirrel consume large quantities of food during summer, storing fat for their extended hibernation during the harsh winter.
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 Genus
Ground squirrels Species
Belding's ground squirrel 
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