Fauna
Mammal

Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel

Callospermophilus lateralis

Also known as Golden-mantled Squirrel, Copperhead Ground Squirrel

Golden-mantled ground squirrels spend late summer frantically stuffing seeds, fungi, and pine nuts into expandable cheek pouches to cache in underground burrows. Frequently mistaken for oversized chipmunks, they lack the distinctive facial stripes that run across a chipmunk's cheeks and eyes. During harsh high-altitude winters, their body temperature drops near freezing while hibernating deeply for up to eight months.

MammalDiurnalBurrowing
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel reference1 / 7
(c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Judy Gallagher · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyPine Seeds, Fungi, Berries
Predators
  • Red-tailed Hawk
  • Coyote
  • Long-tailed Weasel
ThreatsHabitat degradation, climate change, localized predation
HabitatsMontane coniferous forests, rocky slopes, alpine meadows
Life span4–7 years
Classification
  1. OrderRodentia
  2. FamilySciuridae
  3. GenusCallospermophilus
  4. SpeciesCallospermophilus lateralis
Range & activity
Native
Safe observation
Interaction riskModerate
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is moderate
Can bite if hand-fed and hosts fleas that transmit diseases; observe from a distance.
Why it is dangerous
Capable of inflicting painful bites when cornered and carries wild fleas that vector plague or tick fever.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by a coppery red head, white body stripes bordered in black, and a completely plain face.
What to do
Maintain a safe distance and never attempt to hand-feed or handle wild individuals.
Responsible observation
  • Look-Alike Check: Check the face for stripes, as chipmunks have eye stripes while this ground squirrel does not.
  • Campground Etiquette: Avoid feeding bold ground squirrels to protect human health and prevent natural foraging disruption.
  • Best Viewing Hours: Watch sunny talus slopes during midday in summer to spot them foraging active caches.
Related species
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