Spermophilus richardsonii
Richardson's ground squirrel

Spermophilus richardsonii is found in central Alberta and western Montana to western Minnesota.

Richardson's ground squirrel lives in areas of open plains with short grasses. The animal also spends large amounts of time in the soils of these areas in burrows. The animal avoids heavily forested areas.

Total body length for Richardson's ground squirrels is from 283 to 337 mm in males and 264 to 318 mm in females. Tail length varies from 65 to 88 mm in males and 55 to 82 mm in females. Pre-hibernation males ranged in weight from 440 to 745 g, and from 290 to 500 grams post-hibernation. Pre-hibernation females ranged from 330 to 590 grams and from 120 to 290 grams post-hibernation . They are dark brown along the top of the body and lighter brown on the sides with a whitish underbelly. The tail is short and covered with fur, but is not bushy.

Richardson's ground squirrels construct complex burrows, reaching from 3.5 to 15 meters in length, 75 mm in diameter, and .75 to 2 meters deep. There are several chambers and an average of 8 entrances to the burrow system. The main entrance is marked with a mound of dirt.

Richardson's ground squirrels hibernate for seven months each year, from September or October to April or May. During hibernation, these animals live off fat reserves they accumulate during the active portion of the year.

After emerging from hibernation, males establish territories of about .058 ha. This area usually encompasses 3 to 5 female burrows. After mating has occurred, females establish their own territory which averages .016 ha within the male's territory. The female's territory remains the same each year, being passed on from mother to daughter.

S. richardsonii has three daily activity periods, during the first two hours after sunrise, the hours between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, and from 4:00 PM until sunset.

The diet of S. richardsonii consists of seeds, nuts, grains, bulbs, green vegetation, insects and other types of small invertebrates. Food is stored in the burrow, but is eaten only after awakening from hibernation.

Richardson's ground squirrels carry fleas that transmit the bacterial disease bubonic plague. They have also been known to cause the spread of tularemia and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Richardson's ground squirrels are a major agricultural pest in Canada and the northern United States, they can cause massive crop destruction.

Richardson's ground squirrels are important members of their ecosystems, acting to recycle soil nutrients and providing an important source of prey for many predator species, they are also available as pets.

Due to the clearing of forests for farm land, the natural habitat and population size of S. richardsonii has increased dramatically.

Owners of Richardson's ground squirrels seem to agree that the creatures make very nice pets. The animal enjoys chewing on furniture and curtains, however, some claim that the squirrels can be trained by tapping them on the nose when they misbehave. Pet distributers recognize the importance of exercise and ask all pet owners to keep a wheel in the cage. The animals enjoy being played with and petted frequently.