Arctic Ground SquirrelAn arctic ground squirrel watches for predators at the edge of its burrow. (Photo David A. Murray)

Life at the bottom of the food chain doesn't seem to affect the friendly manner of the arctic ground squirrel. It gives the impression of quickly sensing whether you are friend or foe. Once it becomes comfortable with your presence, the bubbly personality (which really is nervous energy!) is a comical form of entertainment.

The arctic ground squirrel is average size, as far as squirrels are concerned. The average weight is about one or two pounds, with an overall length (including the tail) of twelve to fifteen inches.

The fur color is predominantly a reddish tawny-brown color, with light grayish-white spots or markings along the back. The belly and legs are generally lighter in color with hues of dull yellow or gray.

This squirrel hibernates for more than half of the year, usually starting in September or October until April or May. The arctic ground squirrel's home consists of a three or four foot tunnel with numerous exits. The burrow is usually located on the tundra in a brushy meadow or along a sandy bank. Wide areas lined with grass and leaves are located in the deepest section of the tunnel; this becomes the bed for winter hibernation, as well as the nest for the five to ten youngsters born in late spring.

In the early spring, survival is dependent upon the food stored in the burrow during the previous fall. Once that food source begins to dwindle, the arctic ground squirrel emerges from its winter home and tunnels up through the melting snowfields to forage for new plant growth.

The arctic ground squirrel's foods of choice vary from leaves and seeds to grass roots and mushrooms, although, at times, it may eat almost any green or woody plant. The squirrel dedicates its entire day to finding food, and may travel considerable distances in search of a food source. Very often, this travel results in neighborly squabbles when a squirrel crosses territorial lines to gather food near another squirrel's burrow.

The predominant range of the arctic ground squirrel is from Alaska and the Yukon Territory to British Columbia and the Northwest Territories. These regions are also home to many of the large mammals and predators that rely on the arctic ground squirrel as a valuable food source.

The largest of the predators is the grizzly bear. Once a bear spots a ground squirrel, the squirrel's chances for survival decrease rapidly. Instinctively, the squirrel dives into a burrow for protection. However, the huge powerful paws and claws of the grizzly can dig up the ground and reach the squirrel's shallow burrow in a matter of minutes.

Wolves often use a different tactic. They usually hunt in pairs or small packs, and once the squirrel goes underground one of the wolves will casually start to dig at the opening while the other wolf or wolves patiently wait at the opening to the burrow's escape exits. The second the squirrel pops its head up from the escape exit the hunt is over.

Red and arctic fox, lynx, and wolverines also depend on the arctic ground squirrel as a major portion of their diet. The arctic ground squirrel also makes up ninety percent of the diet for the golden eagle. With such a list of predators, it's no wonder these little critters are nervous!

At times, it seems incredible that any squirrels survive long enough to hibernate. However, with large litters and a stable population, the arctic ground squirrel not only feeds a large predator base, but also plays an important role for many of the local native people of its range. For decades, natives relied on the arctic ground squirrel as an important food source.

However, the most important resources provided by these critters are its skins. These skins with soft thick fur became the linings for the winter parkas of the native cultures for centuries; consequently, the creation of the arctic ground squirrel's common name, the "parka" squirrel.

As with all critters, photographing at the subjects eye-level creates the best image. In many areas, the arctic ground squirrels burrow in close proximity to one another. The best thing to do is to locate one of the small colonies, find a comfortable spot on the ground to sit, and then just wait. It won't be long before the little critters will be going about their business all around you. Many may even confront you for being too close to their burrow. I usually find a willing subject and lie down on my stomach using my elbows as a tripod, and shoot away. Distance is not a problem, and usually a mid-size telephoto lens works just fine. I prefer the 80mm-200mm zoom, which allows me to isolate one squirrel or widen the angle if a couple of squirrels start to wrestle or chase each other around.

The bottom of the food chain is not an envious place to be, but Mother Nature, if not interfered with, creates the necessary balance. As for a winter coat, I prefer my parka lined with Gore-Tex!

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