Summer is Short and Sweet: Columbian Ground Squirrels

Columbian Ground Squirrels seem common in the Kootenays: common wherever they are able to dig burrows in well-drained soil. I have always been amazed how short summer is for these hibernators. I see them as soon as there is any green browse available in April until most vegetation dries in fall – around August or so. A very short time to eat, mate, reproduce, grow and fatten up for hibernation.

Most people curse ground squirrels rather than marveling at them, I suppose. I guess if I had a vast expanse of green lawn peppered with holes, mounds and squeaking ground squirrels, I might be peeved too. Especially if I had livestock likely to step in holes and break a leg. Ground Squirrels live in colonies and they and their burrows can spread very quickly throughout an area.

I do find them interesting, however. They resemble small, squeaking posts as you approach and then with a flick of the tail they disappear into their burrow. Coyotes, dogs and badgers are expert at digging up ground squirrel burrows. The most successful burrows have at least a portion located among rocks or other hard-to-dig objects. Ground Squirrels are a favourite food of raptors and owls as well. They have different calls to warn about different predators. Some predators are more dangerous than others. I imagine a Cooper’s Hawk hunting a young ground squirrel is more dangerous than that small dog that is annoying but comparatively easy to avoid.

The ground squirrels have yet to make their appearance. But in a little under a month the world will be green again. And along with all that lush green vegetation there will be ground squirrels: out to eat, raise young and survive for another season.

colonizing a new dandelion patch

keeping an eye on the situation: the little post

Three young Columbian Ground Squirrels outside the burrow

the lookout

browsing

dandelions may be an invasive, but they sure do taste good!

should I go or should I stay?

all writing and photos on this blog copyright Joanne Siderius 2013.