Family: Sciuridae, Squirrels view all from this family

Description Back dark gray-brown; head and shoulders russet. 1 white stripe on each side, bordered above and below by faint black stripes. L 11 1/4–12 3/8" (286–315 mm); T 3 5/8–4 5/8" (92–118 mm); HF 1 5/8–1 7/8" (43–49 mm).

Similar Species Closely related Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel is usually smaller; its "mantle" and side stripes are better defined. Chipmunks have eye stripes.

Breeding 1 litter per year of 1–5 young (average 4) born in late May, after gestation of 28 days.

Habitat Coniferous forests, meadows, and cleared areas, from alpine zone with abundant talus to yellow pine belt.

Range Cascade Mountains of s British Columbia and c Washington.

Discussion Male Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels emerge from hibernation in spring a few days before the females, and the yearlings follow the adults one to three weeks later. The squirrel is then active aboveground for four to five months, entering hibernation from mid-August to late September. In spring, it feeds especially heavily on plant material, favoring vetch leaves, bark, huckleberries, seeds and leaves of grasses, berries of salal and mountain ash, and seeds of lupine and pine; in fall, it consumes large amounts of subterranean fungi. Underground burrows, with their entrances usually beside logs, stumps, rocks, or under bushes, are used for hibernation, sleeping, refuge, and raising young. Several tunnels lead to the nest, a cup of dry grass with loose, fresh vegetation on top, which is at least 3 feet (1 m) underground. The Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel mates in mid- to late April, a few days after the females emerge from hibernation. One hundred percent of adult females and 58 to 100 percent of yearling females are bred. Both males and females disperse from the natal burrow, males traveling farther than females. The normal life span of these animals is at least four years. Their predators include owls, hawks, Coyotes, foxes, and Bobcats.