Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

Ictidomys tridecemlineatus

The Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel is a small, lively animal with stripes on its back. They love to dig and play in the grass, making little burrows to live in.

Hábitat: Grasslands

Aspecto

The Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel is easily recognized by its slender brown fur covered in 13 alternating dark brown stripes and rows of light, cream-colored spots. Its small, pointed ears and short legs give it a sleek appearance.

ReinoAnimaliaFiloChordataClaseMammaliaOrdenRodentiaFamiliaSciuridaeGéneroIctidomys

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

Categoría

Mamíferos

Rareza

Common

Peligro

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Snaps

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Datos interesantes

Some people call them "striped gophers" because they live underground!

Their cheek pouches can stretch huge to carry lots of collected snacks.

These squirrels can run in a zig-zag pattern to confuse quick predators.

They can enter a deep sleep called torpor even during summer's heat!

Habilidades especiales

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels can hibernate for over half a year, slowing their body to survive cold winters without food.

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels can dig extensive burrows underground, which provide safe homes and escape routes.

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels have a sharp, high-pitched whistle that helps them warn others of danger.

Medidas y detalles

Longitud: 17-30 cm
Peso: 0.11-0.25 kg
Esperanza de vida: 2-5 años
Top Speed: 20 km/h
Tamaño de la camada: 2-15
Gestación: 28 días

Dieta y alimentación

These omnivores munch on seeds, insects, and plants, keeping their energy up for active days!

Alimentos principales

Seeds
Grasshoppers
Grubs
Green Plants
Bird Eggs

Método de búsqueda

Foraging

Conexiones ecológicas

eaten by

Coyote

Canis latrans

A common predator in grassland habitats.

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

Hunts ground squirrels from above in open fields.

eaten by

Gopher Snake

Pituophis catenifer

Preys on squirrels and their young in burrows.

eats

Two-striped Grasshopper

Melanoplus bivittatus

Feeds on various insects, including grasshoppers.

eats

Corn

Zea mays

Opportunistically eats seeds from agricultural crops.

Rasgos

Peludo

Peludo describe a los animales que poseen una cubierta densa de pelo o pelaje suave.

A rayas

Marcado con bandas paralelas o líneas de color.

Social

Los animales sociales viven en grupos organizados, cooperando para obtener beneficios de supervivencia como la búsqueda de alimento, la defensa y la cría de descendencia.