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Project Noah Nature School
Ictidomys tridecemlineatus
possesses 13 stripes extending from the shoulder to the tail on each side and back
The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is the namesake of the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers teams, and responsible for Minnesota's nickname as the Gopher State. Sometimes the chipmunk is confused with another ground squirrel, the thirteen-lined ground squirrel (also called "striped gopher"). The thirteen-lined ground squirrel is yellowish, lacks the facial stripes, and the tail is not as bushy as the chipmunk's. And, as this squirrel's name implies, it possesses 13 stripes extending from the shoulder to the tail on each side and back. When startled a ground squirrel carries the tail horizontally along the ground; the chipmunk carries the tail upright.
Spotted on Aug 15, 2012
Submitted on Aug 31, 2012
6 Comments
YukoChartraw-Yes, they're considered a rodent and a nuisance to farmers. They're poisoned and/or trapped regularly as a result. Its all about education and understanding, I believe. I think we all need to step up to the plate and do whatever we can to help spread the message and educate the masses. We need thinkers who can come up with alternate solutions to killing, voices to speak on their behalf and people willing to donate their time, efforts or knowledge to make it happen. And prayers for peaceful coexistence on a planet where land is devoured and life is destroyed every second of every day.
I totally agree! I had no idea that they are being destroyed. :"( So sad and what a waste of precious lives! They are an integral part of the ecosystem (just like all the other creatures on earth), and we humans are the ones that encroached on their habitat. I also read that Striped Gophers eat weed seeds and harmful insects, so they are beneficial to humans as well. I hope more & more people will visit Project Noah and learn how amazing, interesting & beautiful all creatures are.
YukoChartraw-For the life of me, I can't understand why anyone would want to destroy these beautiful animals. I've heard they leave holes in the ground but so do many other creatures. I think they get a bad rap and that some people mistake them for Pocket Gophers. :-( I love finding/photographing all wildlife from a Shrew to a full-grown Buck and everything in between. Nature is filled with such amazing, interesting and beautiful creatures if we just take the time to look and get to know them, eh? :-)
Super cute! The pattern of the stripes are just amazing! The wonders of the nature. :)
CindyBinghamKeiser-Thanks! Folks, especially area farmers and horseback riders, don't like these guys but every one I've met is sweet tempered, curious and a joy to watch. I have other gopher images I took a month before of a mother and her five babies. The mother was very loving and gentle towards her babies. I'll post them up another day. :-)
Cute series!