Source: Wikimedia Commons
Richardson's Ground Squirrel
IntermediateUrocitellus richardsonii
North American ground squirrel similar to prairie dogs but smaller. Easy to tame with an adorable standing pose gaining popularity.
Difficulty
Intermediate
Temperature
18〜26℃
Lifespan
5-7 years
Size
20-30cm / 200-400g
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Herbivore-focused. Timothy hay, vegetables, specialized pellets
About
Richardson's ground squirrel (Urocitellus richardsonii) is a colonial burrowing rodent native to the short-grass prairies of southern Canada and the northern United States. Adults measure 20–30 cm and weigh 300–900 g. Their coat is pale grayish-buff, and their appearance and social burrowing behavior bear a resemblance to prairie dogs. They are obligate hibernators, spending up to 7 months underground in torpor. In captivity, indoor-kept individuals may experience partial or pseudohibernation that requires careful monitoring. Young animals socialized from an early age can become relatively tame, though strong wild instincts persist. They require a large enclosure with deep, diggable substrate. Diet leans herbivorous: grasses, hay, vegetables, and limited seeds. Common health concerns include obesity, hibernation-related complications, and parasite infestations. Captive lifespan is 4–7 years.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
southern Canada and northern United States
Lifespan
5-7 years
Size
20-30cm / 200-400g
Temperature
18〜26℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Diet
Herbivore-focused. Timothy hay, vegetables, specialized pellets
Care Guide
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku 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 richardsonii (Sabine, 1822)
Synonyms: Spermophilus richardsonii
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listedIUCN LC · Least Concern
Sources: Urocitellus richardsonii IUCN LC (not CITES-listed)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Richardson's Ground Squirrel Listings
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