Richardson's Ground Squirrel
Urocitellus richardsonii
Conservation Status
Least ConcernMammalia · Rodentia · Sciuridae
About
Richardson's ground squirrel, also known as the dakrat or flickertail, is a North American ground squirrel in the genus Urocitellus. Like a number of other ground squirrels, they are sometimes called prairie dogs or gophers, though the latter name belongs more strictly to the pocket gophers of family Geomyidae, and the former to members of the genus Cynomys.
Fun Fact
It is not unusual to find squirrels digging tunnels under the sidewalks and patios of urban homes.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Restricted to prairie; sometimes they adapt to suburban environments, causing them to be seen as pests because of the burrows they dig.
Diet
Eating seeds, nuts, grains, grasses and insects (especially crickets, caterpillars and grasshoppers).
Lifespan
3 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance