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Franklin's Ground Squirrel

Poliocitellus franklinii

Franklin's Ground Squirrel is a small, friendly animal that loves to dig and play in the grass. They have fluffy tails and enjoy sunny days outside, often seen popping up from their burrows.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Franklin's Ground Squirrel has a speckled, grizzled grey-brown back, often appearing streaky or patchy, with a paler, sometimes yellowish-white belly. Unlike many ground squirrels, it possesses a relatively long, bushy tail, giving it a somewhat fox-like appearance.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusPoliocitellus
Franklin's Ground Squirrel
furry trait badgesocial trait badgeburrowing trait badgegrassland trait badge
Franklin's Ground Squirrel

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

2

Interesting facts

Franklin's ground squirrels are excellent swimmers and can cross small bodies of water!

These squirrels spend up to 7 months of the year hibernating in their cozy underground dens!

They are often called "bushy-tailed ground squirrels" because their tails are unusually long for their kind!

They often move between different burrows, sometimes using up to 10 in a year!

Special abilities

Ability

Hibernation Master

Franklin's Ground Squirrel can sleep for over half the year because it hibernates deep underground to survive cold winters.

Ability

Harvest Hoarder

Franklin's Ground Squirrel has special cheek pouches that help them carry many seeds to store in their underground burrows.

Ability

Sentry Whistle

Franklin's Ground Squirrel can make loud, bird-like alarm calls that help them warn other squirrels of nearby danger.

Measurements & details

Length
23-40 cm
Weight
0.2-0.5 kg
Lifespan
2-5 years
Top Speed
25 km/h
Litter Size
5-8
Gestation
28-32 days

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore eating plants, seeds, insects, and even small eggs for energy!

Primary Foods

  • Seeds
  • Grasses
  • Insects
  • Bird Eggs
  • Small Mammals
  • Berries

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch from a distance and do not try to touch wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Franklin's Ground Squirrel?

The easiest way to identify Franklin's Ground Squirrel is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Franklin's Ground Squirrel?

23-40 cm

How much does Franklin's Ground Squirrel weigh?

0.2-0.5 kg

How long does Franklin's Ground Squirrel live?

2-5 years

How fast can Franklin's Ground Squirrel move?

25 km/h

What does Franklin's Ground Squirrel eat?

An omnivore eating plants, seeds, insects, and even small eggs for energy!

Where is Franklin's Ground Squirrel usually found?

Grasslands

How does Franklin's Ground Squirrel hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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