# Douglas's Ground Squirrel (*Otospermophilus douglasii*) Douglas's Ground Squirrel is a small, lively animal that loves to dig and play in the grass. They have fluffy tails and are often seen scurrying around in their homes. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 8 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Douglas's Ground Squirrel](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/1142_California_ground_squirrel_munsel_odfw_%284409781258%29.jpg&width=800) Photo: Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, Public domain · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1142_California_ground_squirrel_munsel_odfw_%284409781258%29.jpg) ## Appearance The Douglas's Ground Squirrel is a medium-sized rodent with a brownish-gray back, often subtly mottled. It has a distinctive reddish-brown patch on its underside, particularly around its eyes and legs, differentiating it from similar ground squirrels. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Rodentia - **Family:** Sciuridae - **Genus:** Otospermophilus ## Interesting facts - Douglas's Ground Squirrels help new plants grow by spreading seeds as they forage! - These clever squirrels sometimes line their burrows with soft grass for extra coziness! - These ground squirrels enter a deep sleep called torpor to save energy in cold weather! - They can stand super still, blending into their rocky surroundings like a statue! ## Special abilities - **Chirp Communicator:** Douglas's Ground Squirrel can emit sharp, distinct alarm chirps that helps them warn others about nearby predators. - **Master Burrower:** Douglas's Ground Squirrel has strong claws that helps them dig complex underground tunnels for shelter and safety. - **Food Stasher:** Douglas's Ground Squirrel can gather seeds and nuts in its cheek pouches to store food for later, especially during leaner times. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 23-30 cm - **Weight:** 0.2-0.4 kg - **Lifespan:** 3-6 years - **Speed:** 25 km/h - **Litter Size:** 4-15 - **Gestation:** 27-30 days ## Diet & Feeding These busy squirrels munch on seeds, nuts, fruits, flowers, grasses, and even insects! - **Primary Foods:** Seeds, Nuts, Berries, Fungi, Insects, Green vegetation - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — A common predator of ground squirrels. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — Hunts from above in open areas. - **Eats:** [Gopher Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gopher-snake) (*Pituophis catenifer*) — Preys on young squirrels and eggs. - **Depends on:** Garry Oak (*Quercus garryana*) — Relies on its acorns for food. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch from a distance and don't try to touch wild animals. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Douglas's Ground Squirrel? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Douglas's Ground Squirrel? 23-30 cm ### How much does Douglas's Ground Squirrel weigh? 0.2-0.4 kg ### How long does Douglas's Ground Squirrel live? 3-6 years ### How fast can Douglas's Ground Squirrel move? 25 km/h ### What does Douglas's Ground Squirrel eat? These busy squirrels munch on seeds, nuts, fruits, flowers, grasses, and even insects! ### Where is Douglas's Ground Squirrel usually found? Grasslands ### How does Douglas's Ground Squirrel hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Bush's Pasture Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bushs-pasture-park) — Oregon, US · Botanical Garden - [Cascades Raptor Center](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cascades-raptor-center) — Oregon, US · Zoo - [International Rose Test Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/international-rose-test-garden) — Oregon, US · Botanical Garden - [Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/mendocino-coast-botanical-gardens) — California, US · Botanical Garden - [Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/oregon-caves-national-monument-and-preserve) — Oregon, US · National Park - [Oregon Garden](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/oregon-garden) — Oregon, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Douglas's Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/douglass-ground-squirrel) ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Douglas's Ground Squirrel: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/douglass-ground-squirrel)