Kansas Mammal Atlas

Distribution:
Spotted ground squirrels occur in the western part of Kansas in dry areas of sparse, low-growing vegetation associated with deep, sandy soils. They are most often found in prairie dog towns. Two subspecies occur in Kansas: Xerospermophilus spilosoma obsoletus in the northwestern corner, and X. s. marginatus in the southwest.

(, Museum Voucher) (, Observation) (, Literature Record)
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• Occurrence Summary:  
• 82 Total Records 
• 44 Museum Vouchers 
• 38 Other Observations 

Some county occurrences indicated below may be too imprecise to map above.
County Breakdown: County Name (# occurrences):
Cheyenne (3); Edwards (1); Finney (17); Hamilton (39); Kearney (1); Kiowa (1); Meade (1); Morton (5); Seward (2); Stevens (2); Wallace (10);

Natural History:

Spotted ground squirrels dig their own burrow systems, which are three to five meters or more in length and average 43 centimeters in depth. At either the end of the tunnel system, or in one of the lateral tunnels, is a nest of dry grasses and other plant material. There are generally two or more entrances, which are concealed under bushes or grass. These small mammals forage in the cooler part of the morning and afternoon, and are never very far from an entrance to their burrow, into which they escape if approached. Their movements are rapid and agile; when running they carry their body and tail close to the ground. Their voice is a shrill, two-note whistle. In western Kansas where spotted ground squirrels occur in the same are with thirteen-lined ground squirrels, the former species occupies more arid habitats and sandier soils. As is true with many mammals that live in hot arid climates, aestivation (becoming torpid in warm weather) is common, especially during short periods of excessively hot and dry weather. These squirrels enter hibernation early, adults in August and juveniles by September or October at the latest. They emerge in April or May.
Adults may attain the following dimensions: total length 201-265 mm; tail 61-80 mm; hind foot 28-37 mm; ear 10-11 mm; weight 166-195 grams.
Food consists of green plants, seeds, cacti, and many kinds of insects. However, spotted ground squirrels appear to be less carnivorous than thirteen-lined ground squirrels.
Not much is known about the reproductive cycle of spotted ground squirrels, but presumably it is similar to that of the thirteen-lined ground squirrel. Litters of five to twelve (usually seven) young have been reported from Kansas. There is probably one litter per year in Kansas, though two litters per year are known for this squirrel in the southern part of its range. Breeding is most active in May and June, later than thirteen-lined ground squirrels. Some yearling females may not breed until early July.

Occurrence Activity:

Remarks:
Predators of spotted ground squirrels include badgers, skunks, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, snakes, and large hawks.

Bibliography:

Account Last Updated:
8/4/2019 10:41:54 PM