Habitat: Grassy habitats in Piñon-Juniper Mesas, Shortgrass High Plains, Mixed-Grass Plains, Mesquite-Grass Plains, Post Oak-Blackjack Uplands, and the Tallgrass Prairie Rolling Hills.
Habits: Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels are diurnal, and hibernate in the winter. Although they appear to be solitary, they often are found in colonies due to their habitat requirements. Various burrow systems are constructed: for hiding, nesting, and hibernation. Mating takes places in the spring and about eight young are usually born per litter. The diet consists of grass, herbs, seeds, and insects.
|
