Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

Also known as Striped Gopher, Leopard Ground Squirrel, Squinny

Thirteen-lined ground squirrels are slender grassland rodents recognized by thirteen alternating dark brown and white stripes running down their backs, with rows of squarish light spots embedded within the dark bands. They construct extensive burrow networks across prairies and open lawns, emerging during warm daylight hours to feed on seeds, greens, and insects. Deep winter burrows allow them to hibernate continuously for up to eight months, dropping their body temperature near freezing.