Source: Wikimedia Commons
Columbian Ground Squirrel
AdvancedUrocitellus columbianus
A large ground squirrel of the Rocky Mountains, 33-41 cm long and 340-810 g. Colonial, and hibernating for about 250 days a year. Among the most vegetarian of ground squirrels.
Difficulty
Advanced
Temperature
18〜26℃
Lifespan
7-9 years
Size
Total length 32.5-41cm (tail 8-11.6cm), 340-812g
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Hay, greens and vegetables, seeds, some pellets
About
The Columbian ground squirrel, described by Ord in 1815, is a sciurid of the Rocky Mountains from western Alberta and south-eastern British Columbia through Montana, Idaho, Washington and north-eastern Oregon. Formerly placed in Spermophilus, it is now in Urocitellus, the same genus as the Richardson's ground squirrel already in this encyclopedia. It lives on grassland at 210-2,440 m. It is among the most vegetarian of ground squirrels, taking succulent plants such as dandelion and clover in spring and shifting to grains and seeds later. It forms large colonies in which related females cluster together and greet each other by touching mouths and noses. About 250 days a year are spent in hibernation, leaving only 69-94 days of activity. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern with a stable population. In Japan it is only occasionally offered by exotic pet specialists, and managing its seasonal cycle including hibernation is the main challenge in captivity.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Lifespan of the Columbian Ground Squirrel
The Columbian Ground Squirrel lives 7-9 years.
Size of the Columbian Ground Squirrel
The Columbian Ground Squirrel grows to Total length 32.5-41cm (tail 8-11.6cm), 340-812g.
Total length is 32.5-41 cm with a tail of 8-11.6 cm, and weight varies strongly with season from 340 to 812 g.
Basic Info
Origin
Rocky Mountains of North America (Alberta and British Columbia to Montana, Idaho, Washington and Oregon)
Lifespan
7-9 years
Care Specifications
Group
Sources: Animal Diversity Web / Wikipedia (Columbian ground squirrel)
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Urocitellus columbianus (Ord, 1815)
Synonyms: Spermophilus columbianus
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Domestic law: 感染症法に基づく動物の輸入届出制度の対象（げっ歯目）。
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List / MHLW Animal Import Notification System
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Columbian Ground Squirrel Listings
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