Arctic Ground Squirrel

The Arctic ground squirrel is a species of ground squirrel native to the Arctic and Subarctic of North America and Asia. People in Alaska, particularly around the Aleutians, refer to them as "parka" squirrels, most likely because their pelt is good for the ruff on parkas and for clothing. Arctic ground squirrels are highly opportunistic feeders. They have a widely varied diet which includes vegetation such as stems and leaves, roots, fruits, seeds, flowers, grasses and sedges, and other green or woody plants, as well as mushrooms. Arctic ground squirrels live on average 8–10 years. For about eight months of the year, arctic ground squirrels hibernate to cope with the harsh winter conditions. They prefer hibernacula covered by vegetation which keeps their dens warmer during winter.

Scientific name: Urocitellus parryii

Rank: Species

Life span: 8–10 years

Family: Sciuridae

Order: Rodentia