Colorado Cutie: Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel


Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis
Location: Estes Park, Colorado, USA

One of the cutest and friendliest wild critters in the mountains of Colorado is the Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel.  They look like plump chipmunks, but without the eye stripe.  They are encountered frequently in parks, along hiking trails, and especially in picnic areas where they actively -- and sometimes aggressively -- beg for food.  Those tempted to offer these cute creatures a treat would do well to remember that while they may seem very tame, these are indeed wild animals, and they have been known to "bite the hand that feeds." 

1 comment:

Becky said...

Cute indeed. We have had an over abundance of chippys here this Spring, but my barn cat Azrael has been hot on the trail.