Ground Squirrels

Squirrels are sometimes divided into three groups based upon their habits: tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. There are two species of ground squirrels around the lake: the Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, the Columbian Ground Squirrel. The range of both squirrels is more or less the same as that of the interior wet belt, although the latter is also found in the Okanagan.

The Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel is often confused with its smaller relative, the chipmunk, as both have black stripes along their backs. However, unlike the chipmunk, the stripes of the squirrel do not extend to its head. The Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel favours scree where it hides among the rocks, but forages for green vegitation, seeds, fruits, insects, and carrion.

The Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel favours scree for its home, where the rocks provide cover, but it forages for food in adjacent meadows.

As one would expect, the Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel is found on the ground rather than in trees. It is often confused with a chipmunk in that, like that animal, it has black stripes on its back. However the stripes of the chipmunk extend to its head while those of the squirrel do not. Here, it is munching on something.

The Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel can be seen right down to the lakeshore.

The Columbian Ground Squirrel occupies quite a large range of altitudes. The one on the left was found at 425 meters (Castlegar) while the one on the right was at 2250 meters (Meadow Mountain).

The Columbian Ground Squirrel occupies quite a large range of altitudes. The one on the left was found at 425 meters (Castlegar) while the one on the right was at 2250 meters (Meadow Mountain).

The Columbian Ground Squirrel is a creature of meadows, anywhere from the lake level up to the high altitudes. This one made its home in a sub-alpine meadow at about 1900 meters (Mount Buchanan) with a grand view of the Lake below.

Information from Wikipedia: Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, Columbian Ground Squirrel.