Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel Documentary

A new squirrel species documented for this channel and what an attractive and interesting one it is! Filmed at Rocky Mountain National Park in September, 2021
GOLDEN-MANTLED GROUND SQUIRREL is a small chipmunk-like squirrel with grayish-brown fur on top with two white stripes bordered by black stripes on its sides. It has a lighter underside. The tail is brown to black with buff edges and a yellowish to reddish underside. It has pale rings around the eyes. The "mantle" across their shoulders is reddish, with males having a deeper reddish tinge. This species is distinguished from similar ground squirrels by a black-bordered white stripe down each side of the back. They are easily confused for a chipmunk, which have stripes on the face. Golden-mantel ground squirrels may be almost twice as big as chipmunks.

The golden-mantled ground squirrel can be found from southeastern British Columbia in Canada south to New Mexico and Southern California. in coniferous and mixed coniferous-hardwood forests. It is common in mountainous areas up to the timberline. It can be found in places with rocky meadows and in sagebrush areas.

The golden-mantled ground squirrel is omnivorous, feeding on seeds, nuts and fruits. A large part of its diet is made up of piñon nuts. It also eats green plants, some insects and underground fungi and human foods when available. The squirrel has also been known to "beg" for human food along trails and at parks where people gather. They cache food near their burrows, especially during the late summer and fall. In the fall, the golden-mantled ground squirrel puts on a layer of fat and hibernates from October to May. It has cheek pouches like a chipmunk that it uses to carry food. It takes food to its den and stores it to eat in the spring when it wakes up. It makes its den near or under a tree or log. Its den isn't dug very deep, but it can stretch as long as 100 feet.

Golden-mantaled Ground Squirrel Mate in the spring when the squirrels come out of hibernation. The males emerge first and will compete with each other to establish a territory. Females come out of hibernation two to three weeks after the males. The female builds a nest of leaves, grass and bark in an underground burrow. A month after mating, she will have a litter of between four to six babies. Only The female cares for the babies. They will wean when they are about a month old.

The golden-mantled ground squirrel cleans itself by rolling in the dirt and combing its fur with its teeth and claws.

Most adults are independent, rarely cooperating, and usually competing for resources. They may assemble at sites with abundant food but develop a group hierarchy. They becomes vocal when threatened, making squeaking noises or growling. However, it is generally not a very vocal species.

Predators of this squirrel include snakes, coyottes, foxes, weasels, and bears.

Filmed with Canon SX70HS on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/2QftDPd
Commission Earned
???? New HD videos uploaded weekly. If you enjoy the videos please subscribe, ring the bell to get all channel upload notifications, like, and comment!

Ways to support this Channel:
???? PayPal Donation to: [email protected]
???? MBYB Merchandise: https://teespring.com/stores/backyard-birding-and-beyond
????Backyard Birder's AMAZON shop: https://www.amazon.com/shop/mybackyardbirding
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. A small portion of each sale goes toward supporting the Backyard without increasing costs to you.
????Companion Nature Blog at: http://screech-owls.blogspot.com

#MyBackyardBirding #squirrel #animals