Franklin's Ground Squirrel

Franklin's ground squirrel (Poliocitellus franklinii) is a species native to tallgrass American prairie, from Canada to the northcentral United States.

The species hibernates from early fall to spring, and bears a litter of 6–8 pups at a time. The species is not choosy in its diet, eschewing the typical herbivorous diet of most squirrels when it can find insects, eggs, young birds, and fruits, seeds, and nuts when they are available.

Due to the destruction of prairie, the populations of Franklin's ground squirrel have dwindled, approaching levels of concern. However, the species is prolific, and locally abundant.

Read more about Franklin's Ground Squirrel:  Taxonomy

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