Arctic Ground Squirrel

Featured in Squirrels & Chipmunks – November 5, 2009

Range:
Arctic Ground Squirrels are the largest of North America’s ground squirrels (up to 14”), and the only species that lives in Alaska. In addition to Alaska, it ranges across the northern provinces of Canada, to Baffin Island, and into eastern Siberia. Arctic Ground Squirrels are abundant on alpine or arctic tundra throughout Alaska. They are a prey species for many other animals, including bears, wolves, owls and eagles. Humans have also used them for meat and fur in the past. So perhaps their state of constant alarm is understandable.

Diet:
Arctic Ground Squirrels eat mostly plant matter (seeds, fruits, flowers, roots, leaves, mushrooms,etc.) but will include insects and small animals in the diet too.They nearly double their weight during the summer to prepare for a long hibernation in the winter, which can last for up to seven months.

Hibernation:
They line their burrows with grasses, and cover the openings to protect themselves during hibernation. However, because of the severe conditions where they live, temperatures in the burrows can still drop to 0º F. Their body temperature can drop to 26-27ºF without causing the animal any harm. This is the lowest body temperature of any mammal. During the summer, the body temperature is 98.6ºF.

Reproduction:
The squirrels emerge from hibernation when conditions permit, usually in April. Mating occurs in May, and babies are born in June. The pups are tiny at birth, only about 10 grams, but they grow very fast and are weaned at about six weeks. They have to get large and fat enough to survive hibernation in only five months.

Photographed in Skagway, Alaska.
Canon EOS Rebel XTi; Sigma 150-500mm lens
1/250 sec.; F/6.3; 500mm; ISO200
CGTexture Applied over Sepia