Watcha Doin? (Columbian Ground Squirrel) by Bluenorther
Canon Rebel XSI, Lens Canon 100mm – 300mm
Lakeside Outside Banff, Alberta Canada
This cute little fella was really checking us out as we were snapping scenery pictures. He just couldn’t figure out what we were doing.
Facts about this animal
The Columbian ground squirrel is a typical souslik. It is mostly grey; underparts are yellow-orange. It has a bushy tail which has a length of 8-12 cm. Total length is: 30-40 cm and it weights from 350 to 800 g (depending on season).
They live in large colonies. Both males and females are territorial. Males defend a small core area within their home range, trying to keep other males from access to females. Females defend areas where their nest burrows are located. Both sexes mark their territories with scent glands located at the edge of the mouth, side of the head, and back.
Interesting facts about their hibernation are that they hibernate for seven to eight months of the year (hibernation) and do not awake to eat stored food during their hibernation. The reproduction season is shortly after hibernation. After a gestation period of 24 days the female gives birth to, in May or June, to one litter of 2–7 young (average 3 or 4).
The Columbian Ground Squirrel eats a wide variety of food, including grasses, plant stems and leaves, seeds, bulbs and tubers, insects, birds and other small vertebrates
Comments
New Group Banner.
by CanyonWind
This is such a delightful Banner Pops. Thank you for the Feature! :>)) Leslie
– Bluenorther
Very nice capture Leslie
what a cute capture sis,,,,,,,,love his little paws/claws, made me smile
Thank s Sis. We were amazed at the length of his toes and claws and the fact they hibernate 8 to 9 months of the year. Talk about sleepy LOL :>)) Leslie
– Bluenorther
He is a cute little guy,…..wonderful capture,..
Many tanks John he was sure fascinated by us :>)) Leslie
– Bluenorther
( To help us tidy up the group it would be appreciated if you could remove as many of your older works as possible – Thanks Ray )
If you have already done this THANK YOU
Thanks for the banner Ray and I’ll take care of that for you :>)) Leslie
– Bluenorther
18 January 2012 – 1 image per 24hrs
Many thanks for the banner! It is always appreciated! :>)) Leslie
– Bluenorther
AHHH what a beautiful cute shot well taken Leslie
Thanks Malcolm, he really was a cut little guy and he kept whistling too :>)) Leslie
– Bluenorther
Sweet capture, a great pose :-)
Thank you Elfie, he was such a cute creature watching our every move! :>)) Leslie
– Bluenorther
Well taken Miss Leslie!!!!
So appreciated kind sir. Thank you :>)) Leslie
– Bluenorther