A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Urocitellus washingtoni
The Washington Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus washingtoni) is a squirrel found in the Pacific Northwest states of Washington and Oregon. The species is plentiful is in isolated colonies near Othello, Washington, but widespread agricultural use has reduced its habitat considerably.
Washington Ground Squirrels hibernate (estivate) 7–8 months each year. Adults breed shortly after emergence from hibernation in January or February and juveniles emerge from the natal burrow in March. Juveniles disperse away from the natal burrow and settle into new areas. Hibernation begins again in June-July. On 27 March 2011, we photographed a large colony of Washington Ground Squirrels at the Sage Hills Golf Resort near Warden, Washington. Juveniles had begun to emerge from natal burrows at that time.
Spotted on Mar 27, 2011
Submitted on Mar 29, 2011
3 Comments
aww i love the second pic, it's really really cute
tagging hint.... use commas to separate not quotes... confusing (flickr uses commas)
appreciate how much you know and explain about the animals you post.... great photos too, not just technically .... also show so much of the animal's character.