# 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. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 15 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ictidomys_tridecemlineatus_315661142.jpg&width=800) Photo: Kathlin Simpkins, CC0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ictidomys_tridecemlineatus_315661142.jpg) ## Appearance 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Rodentia - **Family:** Sciuridae - **Genus:** Ictidomys ## Interesting facts - 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! ## Special abilities - **Winter Sleeper:** Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels can hibernate for over half a year, slowing their body to survive cold winters without food. - **Tunnel Architect:** Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels can dig extensive burrows underground, which provide safe homes and escape routes. - **Alert Whistler:** Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels have a sharp, high-pitched whistle that helps them warn others of danger. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 17-30 cm - **Weight:** 0.11-0.25 kg - **Lifespan:** 2-5 years - **Speed:** 20 km/h - **Litter Size:** 2-15 - **Gestation:** 28 days ## Diet & Feeding These omnivores munch on seeds, insects, and plants, keeping their energy up for active days! - **Primary Foods:** Seeds, Grasshoppers, Grubs, Green Plants, Bird Eggs - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — A common predator in grassland habitats. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — Hunts ground squirrels from above in open fields. - **Eaten by:** [Gopher Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gopher-snake) (*Pituophis catenifer*) — Preys on squirrels and their young in burrows. - **Eats:** [Two-striped Grasshopper](https://www.snappit.app/explore/two-striped-grasshopper) (*Melanoplus bivittatus*) — Feeds on various insects, including grasshoppers. - **Eats:** [Corn](https://www.snappit.app/explore/corn) (*Zea mays*) — Opportunistically eats seeds from agricultural crops. ## Traits - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Striped](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/striped): Marked with parallel bands or lines of color. - [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 Watch from a distance and don't try to touch them, as they can be shy. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Thirteen-lined 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 Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel? 17-30 cm ### How much does Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel weigh? 0.11-0.25 kg ### How long does Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel live? 2-5 years ### How fast can Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel move? 20 km/h ### What does Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel eat? These omnivores munch on seeds, insects, and plants, keeping their energy up for active days! ### Where is Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel usually found? Grasslands ### How does Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Falls Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/falls-park) — South Dakota, US · Park - [Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/midewin-national-tallgrass-prairie) — Illinois, US · Forest - [Toadstool Geologic Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/toadstool-geologic-park) — Nebraska, US · Nature Reserve - [Red River Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/red-river-zoo) — North Dakota, US · Zoo - [Great Plains Zoo](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/great-plains-zoo) — South Dakota, US · Zoo - [Box Butte County Courthouse](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/box-butte-county-courthouse) — Nebraska, US · Historic Site [View all places to see Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/thirteen-lined-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: [Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel Facts — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/thirteen-lined-ground-squirrel)