A medium-sized ground squirrel of western mountain meadows. Among the most-studied wild mammals for behavioral research.

Also called: Sierra Ground Squirrel, Belding's

Native status: Native to Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains

§ Quick facts

SizeBody length 22–30 cm; tail 8–12 cm
Weight200–500 g
LifespanWild typically 3–7 years
OrderRodentia
FamilySciuridae

§ Encyclopedia

Belding's ground squirrel, also called pot gut, sage rat or picket-pin, is a squirrel that lives on mountains in the western United States. In California, it often is found at 6,500 to 11,800 feet (2,000–3,600 m) in meadows between Lake Tahoe and Kings Canyon. This species is not of conservation concern, and its range includes some protected areas.

Source: Wikipedia — Belding's ground squirrel Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium ground squirrel with grayish-brown back marked with darker mottling; cream-buff belly; short bushy tail; small ears.

Similar species. Other Urocitellus species (different ranges, sizes). Marmots (much larger). Yellow-bellied marmots (different range; bright yellow belly).

Voice. Sharp "chirp" alarm calls; different calls for aerial vs. terrestrial threats; trills for social contact.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Seeds (especially grass and forb seeds), green vegetation, occasional insects, fungi, and small vertebrates.

Behavior. Restricted to montane meadows and parklands of California Sierra Nevada and Oregon Cascades. Famous study system for evolutionary ecology — Belding's ground squirrels have been the focus of decades of research on kin recognition, alarm calling, and cooperative behavior. They give different alarm calls for aerial vs. terrestrial predators, and adjusts vocal behavior based on which kin are present. Hibernate 7–9 months annually, accumulating massive fat reserves before winter.

§ Range

Western mountains

§ Habitat

Mountain meadows, riparian areas

§ Threats

Habitat loss, secondary rodenticide effects on predators.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the belding's ground squirrel is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support mountain meadow conservation. Skip rodenticides.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Sherman & Holekamp Belding ground squirrel research
  • National Park Service Yosemite
  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • IUCN Red List 2016