Mammals
Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel
Ictidomys tridecemlineatus · also called striped gopher
Standing bolt upright at the mouth of its burrow on the prairie, a thirteen-lined ground squirrel shows the stripes that name it, a small daytime forager that will spend the winter nearly as cold as ice.
Overview
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel, Ictidomys tridecemlineatus, is a Least Concern rodent native to grassland habitat across the Great Plains and nearby central North America. Its striped back, near-freezing hibernation, and daytime burrowing life make it one of the best-known small mammals of the prairie.
Hibernating close to freezing
During hibernation this squirrel’s body temperature falls to around the freezing point, a feat that has made it a model animal for studies of how mammals survive extreme cold.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common across suitable grassland habitat.
Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel: common questions
Why is it called the thirteen-lined ground squirrel?
It has thirteen alternating pale lines and rows of spotted dark stripes running down its back.
How cold does a hibernating thirteen-lined ground squirrel get?
Its body temperature can drop to around or just below freezing during hibernation.
Why do scientists study this squirrel?
Its ability to survive extreme drops in body temperature and heart rate during hibernation makes it a valuable animal for research.
Where is the thirteen-lined ground squirrel found?
It is native to grassland habitat across the Great Plains and nearby parts of central North America.