Franklin’s Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus Franklinii)

Franklin’s ground squirrels inhabit densely vegetated areas of tall grass, herbs, and shrubs, usually adjacent to woodlands. They usually occur in small, localized colonies, often in disturbed areas. ¹ Adults emerge from hibernation in late March to early May, depending on geographic location, and return underground in late July to mid August (males) or August to early September (females). Juveniles become active aboveground in late June or July and hibernate in September. ² Census estimates after July are complicated by adults disappearing underground and juveniles dispersing. Weights of juveniles overlap those of adults by late August, so young of the year cannot be distinguished reliably from adults then.