Thirteen-lined ground squirrel facts for kids

The Thirteen-lined ground squirrel is a small, striped Squirrel that lives mostly on the ground. You can find them across North America, from Alberta, Canada all the way down to Ohio and Texas in the USA. They are known for their unique pattern of stripes and spots, which helps them blend into their surroundings.

What They Look Like

These ground squirrels are quite small, usually growing to about 17 to 30 centimeters (7 to 12 inches) long, including their tail. They weigh around 110 to 140 grams (4 to 5 ounces). Their name comes from the 13 alternating light and dark stripes that run down their back and sides. Some of the dark stripes have rows of light, square-shaped spots, making them look even more unique. Their fur is usually a mix of brown, black, and tan colors, which helps them hide in grassy areas.

Where They Live

Thirteen-lined ground squirrels prefer open, grassy areas. You can find them in prairies, meadows, pastures, and even in lawns and golf courses. They like places where the grass isn't too tall, so they can easily see around them and spot any danger. They dig complex burrows underground, which they use for sleeping, raising their young, storing food, and escaping from predators. These burrows can be quite deep and have many tunnels and rooms.

What They Eat

These squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet mostly includes seeds, grains, and fresh green plants like grasses and clover. They also enjoy eating insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars. Sometimes, they might even eat small mice or bird eggs. They are very good at finding food and will often store seeds in their cheek pouches to carry back to their burrows for later.

Life Underground

Thirteen-lined ground squirrels spend a lot of their time underground in their burrows. They are active during the day, especially in the morning and late afternoon. When they are above ground, they are always alert. They often stand up on their hind legs to get a better view of their surroundings, looking for predators like hawks, coyotes, or snakes. If they sense danger, they will let out a high-pitched whistle to warn other squirrels before quickly darting back into their burrows.

Hibernation

One of the most interesting things about thirteen-lined ground squirrels is that they hibernate for a long part of the year. They usually go into hibernation in the fall, around September or October, and don't wake up until March or April. During hibernation, their body temperature drops, their heart rate slows down, and they use very little energy. They survive on the fat reserves they built up during the summer. This long sleep helps them get through the cold winter months when food is scarce.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

Thirteen-lined ground squirrels usually mate shortly after they wake up from hibernation in the spring. The female will have one litter of babies each year. After a pregnancy of about 28 days, she gives birth to a litter of 5 to 13 tiny, blind, and helpless pups in her underground burrow. The mother takes care of the pups by herself. The young squirrels grow quickly and are ready to leave the burrow and find their own territory when they are about four to five weeks old. They usually live for about 2 to 5 years in the wild.

Staying Safe

These ground squirrels have several ways to protect themselves from predators. Their striped and spotted fur provides excellent camouflage, helping them blend in with the dry grass and dirt. When they stand tall, they can scan for danger. If a predator gets too close, they can quickly run into their burrows. Their alarm calls also help to warn others, showing how they communicate within their community to stay safe.

Images for kids

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  The animal is well camouflaged and frequently stands to keep watch.

See also

In Spanish: Ardilla de tierra de trece franjas para niños