Wyoming Ground Squirrel - Spermophilus elegans
General Description
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Distribution
Montana Range
Observations in Montana: 83
Montana CountiesBeaverhead, Madison
Migration
Non-migratory, although dispersal movements may be observed.
Habitat
Primarily valley bottoms and foothills.
Food Habits
Forbs apparently a primary food. Also uses grasses, shrubs, insects, and other arthropods. Cannabalism of road-killed conspecifics and consumption of other carrion has been ob- served. (B83JON01).
Ecology
Can hybridize with S. richardsonii (A78KOE01). Males emerge from hibernation before females and establish a behavioral dominance. Hisrarchical distribution of territories. May consume agricultural crops. (B83JON01).
Reproductive Characteristics
Adult and yearling females produce 5-7 young/litter. Appear above ground at 4-5 weeks of age. Yearlings may not repro- duce when in poor condition (A84ZEG01). Breeding probably occurs late Mar-mid Apr.
Citations & Sources
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