Distribution and Habitat
The species is found throughout much of Oregon, although not in the northern and western regions of the state. Some populations extend south of the state line into the extreme north-eastern corner of California and the extreme north-western corner of Nevada, while other populations extend along the west bank of the Snake River into western Idaho.
Two subspecies are generally recognised:
- Urocitellus canus canus - Oregon, California, Nevada
- Urocitellus canus vigilis - Snake River region (eastern Oregon, western Idaho)
The native habitat of Merriam's ground squirrel is arid chapparal environments dominated by sagebrush, and, to a lesser extent, by greasewood and shadscale. It is sometimes found in marginal juniper woodland and can be common in man-made pasture and fields.
Read more about this topic: Merriam's Ground Squirrel
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