Spermophilus tridecemlineatus

Statistics
Length: head and body 4.5-6.5"; tail 2.5-5.25"
Weight: 5-9 oz.
Number of teeth: 22
Young: Approximately 6 young born in May and June.

Habitat
Areas having short vegetation.

Food
Vegetation: grasses, weeds, seeds.
Animals: grasshoppers, beetles, ants, earthworms.

Period of Activity
Daytime (diurnal).

Distribution
Illinois: Northern two-thirds of the state.
USA: See distribution map.

Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel Trivia
Thirteen-lined ground squirrels are found in short grassy areas where they are often seen sitting up on their hind legs. These ground squirrels live in burrows which are dug leaving no sign of the burrow except the opening. Three types of burrows are constructed (hiding, nesting and hibernation) with differences in the size and depth of the burrow and type of nest cavity present.