Spermophilus elegans
Wyoming ground squirrel

Spermophilus elegans is made up of three, disjunct subspecies: S. e. nevadensis (found in southwestern Idaho, north-central Nevada, and formerly in extreme southeastern Oregon), S. e. aureus (found in northeastern Idaho and southwestern Montana), and S. e. elegans (found in extreme northeastern Utah, southern Wyoming, northern Colorado, and extreme western Nebraska). ("NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life", 2002; Koeppl and Hoffmann, 1981; Streubel, 2000)

Spermophilus elegans occupies mountain meadows and talus slopes from 1,500 meters elevation to above the timberline. They are also found in sagebrush, and shrubby grasslands where they are limited to valley bottoms by other, sympatric Spermophilus species. They often are found in areas with loose sandy soil that is suitable for digging burrows. They live on upland slopes that are well drained. ("NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life", 2002; Andelt and Hopper, 2001; Lechleitner, 1969; Streubel, 2000; Wilson and Ruff, 1999)

Body mass ranges from 255.15 to 396.9 grams, and length from 254 to 381 mm. The ears are larger than those of a typical ground squirrel. The eyes are outlined by a white ring. Spermophilus elegans lack the dorsal stripes and spots that are typical among ground squirrels. The dorsal fur is brown, with gray shades on the shoulders, neck and head. The sides and stomach are somewhat yellowish, especially in summer pelage. The tail is relatively short, from 59 to 79 mm, and colored like the back. These squirrels have large claws. There is only one annual molt in adults during the spring or summer. The molt varies with sex and reproductive condition. (Andelt and Hopper, 2001; Jones Jr. et al., 1983; Streubel, 2000; Wilson and Ruff, 1999)

The lifespan of this species is variable. Less than one in four Wyoming ground squirrels survive their first year of life. Adults can live up to three or four years. (Jones Jr. et al., 1983)

Spermophilus elegans are social, although females seem to be more so than males. Family groups remain together in the mother's home range but do not associate with other family groups. Males are generally solitary. They have complex burrow systems. There are several secondary entrances, and several burrows interconnect. The center of the burrow is where the nest chamber is located. In early spring males emerge from hibernation. They establish their territories, with the largest, oldest males at the center, and the younger, smaller males at the periphery. Females come out of hibernation one to three weeks after the males. Within a few days females enter estrus and mating occurs. Dominant males in the center have more than one mate, whereas less dominant males on the periphery have one or no mates. ("NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life", 2002; Andelt and Hopper, 2001; Jones Jr. et al., 1983; Jones Jr., Armstrong, and Choate, 1985; Lechleitner, 1969; Streubel, 2000)

After all females within a male's territory have been bred, the male moves from the center to the periphery of the colony. From late April throughout the rest of the active season, the females and their young occupy the center of the colony. Females are then dominant over males. By late summer, the young have grown to adult size, and have dispersed throughout and beyond the colony. (Jones Jr. et al., 1983)

Wyoming ground squirrels then spend much of their time eating in order to reach the necessary weight for hibernation. It is estimated that they spend 39% of their active time eating and 36% in watching for danger. Wyoming ground squirrels are strictly diurnal. Adult males go into hibernation in late July; adult females and juveniles hibernate in late August or early September. During hibernation they live on fat reserves and body temperatures are maintained at approximately 4 degrees Celsius. ("NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life", 2002; Andelt and Hopper, 2001; Jones Jr. et al., 1983; Streubel, 2000; Wilson and Ruff, 1999)

Home Range

Population densities can reach as high as 10 to 20 squirrels per acre. Home-range size in these dense colonies is thereby restricted, and could be as small as 25 to 50 yards. ("NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life", 2002; Jones Jr. et al., 1983; Streubel, 2000)

Wyoming ground squirrels are very vocal. They continuously call to one another during above ground activity to sound alarm when predators are present. The most used alarm call is the "chirp", which is a series of short high pitched notes. The "churr" is another call, which is longer in duration and can carry over a longer distance than the chirp. They also flick their tail as a sign of aggression. Spermophilus species also use scent marks and touching, such as "kissing" to greet others. These ground squirrels use the same suite of senses to perceive their environment. (Jones Jr. et al., 1983; Jones Jr., Armstrong, and Choate, 1985; Lechleitner, 1969)

The diet of Wyoming ground squirrels is mainly herbivorous. They prefer green foliage, such as grasses and leaves, although these squirrels will also eat shrubs, forbs, flowers, seeds, stems, and roots. When there is not an abundance of green foliage, Wyoming ground squirrels will eat insects, including grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars, as well as eggs of ground-nesting birds. Sometimes they eat carrion. ("NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life", 2002; Andelt and Hopper, 2001; Jones Jr. et al., 1983; Jones Jr., Armstrong, and Choate, 1985; Lechleitner, 1969; Streubel, 2000; Wilson and Ruff, 1999)

These ground squirrels are prey for hawks, coyotes, badgers, weasels, snakes, and foxes. They avoid predation through vigilance, including vocalizations used to warn conspecifics, and by seeking refuge in their burrows. (Lechleitner, 1969; Streubel, 2000)

Spermophilus elegans serves as a host for many parasites, including ticks, mites, lice, stomach and intestinal roundworms, and tapeworms. Their burrowing activities help to recycle nutrients and they are important prey species for small to medium-sized predators. ("NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life", 2002; Andelt and Hopper, 2001; Jones Jr. et al., 1983; Jones Jr., Armstrong, and Choate, 1985; Streubel, 2000)

Wyoming ground squirrels (along with other ground squirrel species) have the potential to host fleas that transmit bubonic plague and Colorado tick fever virus. Spermophilus elegans are also agricultural pests. Their burrows can damage haying equipment and take fields out of production. Burrowing activity can also damage golf courses and lawns. ("NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life", 2002; Andelt and Hopper, 2001; Streubel, 2000)

Wyoming ground squirrels are important members of the ecosystems in which they live.

Spermophilus elegans is considered an unprotected nongame species. Wyoming ground squirrels have no special conservation status. They are fairly common in appropriate habitat throughout their range. (Streubel, 2000)

This species was formerly included in Spermophilus richardsonii. ("NatureServe Explorer: An online encyclopedia of life", 2002)