Spermophilus parryii
Arctic ground squirrel

Arctic ground squirrels have a vast range. They can be found in regions of Northern Canada ranging from the Arctic Circle down to the southern border of the Northwest Territories, as well as Alaska and Siberia.

The arctic ground squirrel's primary habitat is Arctic tundra. They prefer well vegetated areas that are preferrably not too wet. Wetness in such cold habitats leads to permafrost through which it is impossible for the squirrel to dig. Arctic tundra generally lacks trees and forestry, hence these squirrels live in very open areas which extend into meadows in the southern part of their range.

The arctic gound squirrel has a number of defining features, which make it relatively easy to distinguish from its relatives. The coat is beige and tan and is highlighted by diffused white spots on its dorsal side. This squirrel has a relatively blunt face, small ears, a dark brushy tail and white markings around its eyes. Both sexes attain an average length of approximately 39cm, however, males generally outweigh females by about 100 grams.

Arctic ground squirrels live in extremely cold environments. They get through the harsh winters by incorporatng hibernation into their life cycles. These rodents hibernate seven months out of the year, retiring to their hibernation chambers in early September and waking in late April. It is not uncommon for females and juveniles to lose between 30 and 40 percent of their body weight during hibernation.

Despite the fact that there is continous daylight during the summer months, these squirrels are diurnal. Because there is continous light and very little vegetative cover available in their habitat, these rodents move with their bodies pressed close to the ground to make themselves less obvious to predators. This type of movement has been termed "tundra glide."

Social interactions include both physical and vocal communication. Physical encounters are characterized by either nose to nose contact or pressing together of body parts. This contact is a test of receptivity and can often lead to fights. The second type of interaction, vocal communication, has led humans to give these squirrels the nick name "tsik-tsik." These "tsik" sounding calls generally alert others in the territory to the presence of nearby predators. There are even different kinds of calls for different kinds of predators. Low gutteral chatters are used to indicate land-borne predators whereas short "band whistle" chatters indicate avian predators.

This rodent is primarily herbivorous, favoring such foods as grasses, sedges, mushrooms, bog rushes, bilberries, willows, roots, stalks, leaves, flowers, and seeds. Arctic ground squirrels have, however, been known to eat just about anything when necessary; including their own kind. These squirrels generally feed around high noon and oftentimes stuff their cheeks full of leaves or seeds to take back to their dens for later consumption. Foraging is interrupted by frequent stops to sit up and check for danger. Generally, the arctic ground squirrel uses its teeth to cut down vegetation, and then holds the food between its paws to eat it so that it may keep its head up to watch for predators.

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In the past, arctic ground squirrels provided the northern people with a source of food as well as clothing. Although they are not as highly sought after for such purposes in recent times, they continue to be a source of food for other animals of the north that contribute to fur market.

Arctic ground squirrels have not been reported to be endangered in any way, hence there is little effort put forth to conserve them.

The name given to the arctic ground squirrel, Spermophilus parryii, is a combination of Greek and Latin. Spermophilus literally means "lover of seeds" and parryii is the latinized name of Sir William Parry; an Arctic explorer.

Predators of Spermophilus parryii include the grizzly bear, foxes, wolves, ermine, and various types of birds.