Idaho Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus brunneus)

The Idaho Ground Squirrel

The Idaho Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus brunneus) is divided into two types: The Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus brunneus brunneus), and the Southern Idaho Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus brunneus endemicus). Both types are currently an endangered species and are protected under federal acts.

Idaho Ground Squirrels are only found in west-central Idaho. The Northern version is found in two isolated counties at medium high elevations, surrounded by forests and making their homes in meadows and in rocky areas. The Southern version is found at lower elevations in three counties, living in hilly areas and grasslands. Both versions of the ground squirrel live in burrows, often with the entrances hidden under rocks or logs. They hibernate in the winter, emerging from the burrows in early spring.

The Idaho Ground Squirrel grows to about 8-9 inches (22-23 cm) long with grayish-brown fur spotted with a red-brown color, a yellow to gray underbelly, and a striped tail. The southern version of the squirrel has a much paler coat, but, other than that, is identical to the northern version. This is thought to be because of the different soil types in each squirrel’s environment. Ground squirrels are distinguished by their cheek pouches, which open into their mouths.

When not hibernating, the Idaho Ground Squirrel spends much of its time foraging and needs to eat large amounts of seeds, leaves, and vegetation to store up fat to sustain them during their long sleep. As they are only awake and active four to five months out of the year, they need to find a lot of food to supply themselves and survive.

As soon as they come above ground in the spring, the Idaho Ground Squirrel starts the life cycle over by breeding. The gestational period usually only lasts about 25 days, and the female squirrel can give birth to litters numbering between 2-10 young. The young squirrels come out of the burrows after about 50 days.

As the numbers and areas of population for the Northern and Southern Idaho Ground Squirrel have decreased so drastically, many measures are being undertaken to try and conserve the species. This includes making arrangements with private landowners to allow squirrel-friendly plants to be planted on their land and allowing the squirrels to thrive there. The animals are also being monitored and relocated to try and save them. Currently, it is estimated that there are less than 500 Northern Idaho Ground Squirrels in existence.

Further Information on the Idaho Ground Squirrel:

E-mail info@unitedstatesfauna.com to add your Idaho Ground Squirrel related website.

Bibliography:
Ground Squirrels. Encarta Encyclopedia, © 2000.
Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel Fact Sheet. Accessed 08/05/04 at http://idahoes.fws.gov/Fact/NIDGS.html
Southern Idaho Ground Squirrel Fact Sheet. Accessed 08/05/04 at http://idahoes.fws.gov/Fact/SIGS.html
Donald Streubel. Idaho Ground Squirrel, © 2000. Accessed 08/05/04 at http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/bio/mammal/Rod/squir/igsq/igsq.htm