Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, ready for hibernation

Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) 

Location:  Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA 

My friend and I were hiking on an established trail around Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.  We spotted a bench that overlooked the small lake, and decided to sit there to eat the sandwiches we had brought with us.  As soon as we unwrapped our food, this little guy appeared to beg for tidbits.  Although he was persistent to the point of being somewhat a pest, we didn't feed him.  Judging by his girth, he certainly was not starving!  In fact he looked very plump -- all ready for his winter hibernation.

Here is another photo of a Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel that I posted earlier this year.