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Wyoming Ground Squirrel - Spermophilus elegans

  • Wyoming Ground Squirrel
  • Wyoming Ground Squirrel
  • Wyoming Ground Squirrel
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Potential Species of Concern

Global Rank: G5
State Rank: S3S4

Agency Status
USFWS: none
USFS: none
BLM: none
CFWCS Tier: 2
 

General Description
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General Distribution
Montana Range



Western Hemisphere Range

 


Summary of Observations Submitted for Montana
Number of Observations: 83

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Relative Density

Recency

 

(Records associated with a range of dates are excluded from time charts)



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
Additional Sources of Information Related to "Mammals"
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Citation for data on this website:
Wyoming Ground Squirrel — Spermophilus elegans.  Montana Field Guide.  Retrieved on February 9, 2010, from http://FieldGuide.mt.gov/detail_AMAFB05190.aspx
 
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