Columbian Ground Squirrel

Columbian Ground Squirrels (spermophilus columbianus) live in British Columbia and in Washington and Montana. They eat grasses and plant parts, and occasionally small birds, insects, or other small animals. They live in colonies, and you will often see one standing sentry while the rest forage for food. When alarmed they make a piercing squeek before diving into their burrows. Ground Squirrels begin hibernating as early as July, having only emerged from their winter sleep in the late spring, so much of their lives is spent sleeping. This handsome specimen was dozing in the sun at the top of the Logan Pass in Glacier National Park in Montana. He was unusually tame and unafraid of the people walking the paths nearby.

This image is copyright and may not be used without specific authorization. Permission is explicitly denied for Pinterest.