Are You Into Ground Squirrels? We Are!
Grand Teton National Park is known for its breathtaking views, wide open spaces, and rich variety of wildlife. Among the many creatures that call this park home is the delightful—and often overlooked—Uinta Ground Squirrel. The antics of these small, charismatic creatures (locally referred to as Chislers) are fascinating to observe, and these little squirrels play an essential role in the park’s ecosystem. Let’s take a closer look at their diets, their dwellings, and how they survive the harsh winter months.
We have five ways to see squirrels in Grand Teton National Park. The largest squirrel is the Marmot, which lives on high rocky slopes. In the forests we find the Pine Squirrel, the Golden Mantle Ground Squirrel, and the tiny Chipmunk. Throughout the sagebrush environment of the park we have the Uinta Ground Squirrel.
What Do Uinta Ground Squirrels Eat?
Uinta Ground Squirrels are primarily herbivores, with a diet consisting of grasses, seeds, flowers, and a variety of meadow plants. These squirrels are excellent foragers, using their sharp sense of smell to locate the food they need to thrive. Their burrowing and constant eating plays a vital role in seed dispersal, helping to maintain the balance of plant life in the park.
They are known to be opportunistic feeders, sometimes nibbling on insects or worms when they find them. They also feed on human food when they can get it either through people dropping food by accident or succumbing to their cute begging. Human food is not healthy for animals so please be careful to avoid feeding wild creatures!
Where Do Uinta Ground Squirrels Sleep? Anywhere They Want!
Uinta Ground Squirrels, like other ground squirrels, are burrowers. They dig intricate tunnel systems beneath the earth, which serve as their homes and a means of protection from predators. These tunnels are often quite deep, providing safety and insulation, and also help keep the squirrels safe from the park’s numerous predators, including birds of prey, weasels, badgers, and coyotes.
The tunnel networks often have multiple entrances and escape routes—but some predators have worked out a method of hunting cooperatively. Naturalists have seen badgers and coyotes working both ends of a tunnel network to effectively chase squirrels towards each other.
The burrows also serve as a place to sleep and store food. Squirrels will line their burrows with dry grass and other plant materials to create a cozy nest, offering a cool respite during warm summer days and insulation on cool nights.
What Happens to Uinta Ground Squirrels in the Winter?
Winter in Grand Teton National Park can be brutal. Snow covers the landscape and temperatures drop far below freezing.. To survive these extreme conditions, Uinta Ground Squirrels have developed a fascinating and essential adaptation: they hibernate.
Uinta Ground Squirrels are true hibernators, taking shelter in their burrows in mid-August and entering a deep, prolonged state of dormancy that lasts until mid-March or later. Before hibernation begins, they eat enough to create a layer of fat, which they rely on for energy during their long winter sleep. During hibernation, their body temperature drops and their metabolic rate slows down dramatically. This allows them to conserve energy and survive until the warmer spring months.
A Vital Part of the Ecosystem
Despite their small size, Uinta Ground Squirrels are an important part of the Grand Teton ecosystem. Their burrowing activities help aerate the soil and improve its quality, which benefits plants and other animals. As they forage for food, they also help spread seeds, promoting plant diversity. And quite a few of these furry friends end up as dinner for other park animals!
Whether you’re enjoying a scenic Barker-Ewing float trip down the Snake River, hiking the park trails, or driving to a scenic overlook, keep an eye out for these lively little creatures. Uinta Ground Squirrels may be small, but they are a significant reminder that every animal, no matter its size, contributes to the health of this extraordinary landscape.
Next time you visit, take a moment to appreciate these clever, industrious squirrels as they scurry about, playing their part in the vibrant life of Grand Teton National Park.
