Hobbies And Interests
Hibernation
The golden-mantled ground squirrel feeds heavily during fall, and normally exhibits a fat layer just prior to winter hibernation. These squirrels hibernate October to May, but may wake to feed on rations it stored during warm weather. During summer, this creature gathers seed and other food, which it transports back to its den in its cheek pouches.
Diet
The golden-mantled ground squirrel feeds mainly on fruit, nuts and seeds, and will climb trees to source these foods. This omnivorous ground squirrel also feeds on insects and underground fungi, which it finds by smell, then digs up. The squirrels will eat birds' eggs and small vertebrates when available. A third of the golden ground squirrel's diet during fall is coniferous seeds.
Home Burrow and Behavior
This squirrel sleeps and rests in shallow burrows, which it digs itself. The entrance to these 100-foot-long tunnels is typically between tree roots or under rocks or logs. Golden-mantled ground squirrels use their teeth and claws to comb their coats, and roll in clean sand as part of their grooming. They make many sounds, including chirps and squeals, when distressed.
Breeding
Golden-mantled ground squirrels breed in spring after waking from hibernation. Male animals end their hibernation two to three weeks before the females, and use this time to establish a territory. Male squirrels vie with each other for the best home ranges, which extend approximately two acres. Male squirrels fight over territories, usually with threatening gestures and aggressive growls. Females build nests from small pieces of bark, leaves and grass in their home burrows, and give birth to between four and six infants after a 30-day gestation period. The neonates are effectively hairless at birth. Their ears and eyes are also closed at this time. Infants nurse from their mother for approximately a month before they are weaned, then eat the same diet as their parents.
Conservation
The golden ground squirrel is not endangered, according to Canisius College Ambassadors for Conservation. Eric Yensen and Paul Sherman indicate that this species is abundant in habitats that suit its needs, thus there are no conservation programs for it. Development and destruction of the squirrel's natural habitat could, however, threaten the golden mantled ground squirrel's future, so the situation should be monitored closely, according to the conservation group.