The Arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus parryii) is a species of ground squirrel native to the Arctic. People in Alaska, particularly around the aleutians, refer to them as "Parka" (pronounced "par'kee") squirrels. probably because their pelt is good for making the fur edging on the hoods of Parka style jackets.
Read more about Arctic Ground Squirrel: Subspecies, Background, Geographic Range, Habitat, Physical Description, Reproduction, Behaviour, Food Habits
Famous quotes containing the words arctic, ground and/or squirrel:
“Nature confounds her summer distinctions at this season. The heavens seem to be nearer the earth. The elements are less reserved and distinct. Water turns to ice, rain to snow. The day is but a Scandinavian night. The winter is an arctic summer.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“Nature herself has not provided the most graceful end for her creatures. What becomes of all these birds that people the air and forest for our solacement? The sparrow seems always chipper, never infirm. We do not see their bodies lie about. Yet there is a tragedy at the end of each one of their lives. They must perish miserably; not one of them is translated. True, “not a sparrow falleth to the ground without our Heavenly Father’s knowledge,” but they do fall, nevertheless.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
“The squirrel hoards nuts and the bee gathers honey, without knowing what they do, and they are thus provided for without selfishness or disgrace.”
—Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)