Fauna
Mammal

Franklin's Ground Squirrel

Poliocitellus franklinii

Also known as Whistling Ground Squirrel, Franklin's Spermophile

Franklin's ground squirrels are secretive, tallgrass prairie rodents recognized by their tawny-grey mottled coats, brownish heads, and surprisingly clear, musical alarm whistles. They spend over seven months of the year underground in deep winter hibernation, emerging for a brief summer window to mate, forage, and raise young. Omnivorous and agile, they rely on dense, undisturbed grass and brush cover to hide their burrow systems from predators.

DiurnalMammalBurrowing
Franklin's Ground Squirrel reference1 / 7
no rights reserved · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyInsects, Seeds, Green Vegetation
Predators
  • American Badger
  • Red-tailed Hawk
  • Red Fox
ThreatsHabitat loss, prairie fragmentation, agricultural conversion, brush clearing
HabitatsTallgrass prairie, overgrown fields, railroad corridors, savannah edges
Life span3–5 years
Classification
  1. FamilySciuridae
  2. SpeciesPoliocitellus franklinii
Range & activity
Native
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
May bite or scratch if cornered or handled; observe from a respectful distance.
What to notice
Look for a dark head, greyish dappled body, and a moderately bushy tail in dense, tall vegetation.
Support conservation
Maintain distance to avoid disturbing burrow entrances or scaring foraging adults during their brief activity window.
Responsible observation
  • Listen for Whistles: Scan dense vegetation when hearing a clear, bird-like whistling alarm call.
  • Check Dense Cover: Focus on overgrown fence lines, railroad rights-of-way, and unplowed prairie borders.
  • Time the Season: Search between late spring and mid-summer before individuals enter deep hibernation.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…