Mammals
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
Callospermophilus lateralis · also called copperhead
Begging for crumbs at a mountain overlook, a golden-mantled ground squirrel shows its copper-gold shoulders and side stripes, easily mistaken for a chipmunk until you notice its unstriped face.
Overview
The golden-mantled ground squirrel, Callospermophilus lateralis, is a Least Concern rodent native to mountain and forest habitat across the Rocky Mountains and other western North American ranges. Its golden mantle, chipmunk-like stripes, and bold behaviour around people make it one of the most familiar mountain rodents of the American West.
The chipmunk look-alike
At a glance it resembles a chipmunk, but its larger size and unstriped face mark it out as a ground squirrel, a distinction many visitors to western mountains never notice.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common across suitable mountain habitat.
Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel: common questions
How can you tell a golden-mantled ground squirrel from a chipmunk?
It is larger and stockier, and although it has side stripes, it has no stripes on its face, unlike chipmunks.
Why is it called golden-mantled?
It has a coppery to golden head and shoulders, forming a mantle that gives the species its name.
Does the golden-mantled ground squirrel hibernate?
Yes, it spends the cold months hibernating in a burrow after fattening up in summer.
Where is the golden-mantled ground squirrel found?
It is native to mountain and forest habitat across the Rocky Mountains and other western North American ranges.