A Survey for FRANKLIN’S GROUND SQUIRREL
Franklin’s ground squirrels (FGS) were once common throughout the Midwest. Today
they appear to be in a serious population decline across much of their former
range. FGS are light brown to tan across the back, with a gray tail and a gray
head. They are slightly smaller than the gray tree squirrel, and have shorter
ears and tail. The Franklin’s ground squirrel is typically out of its burrow
only on warm sunny days. Habitats vary somewhat, but a forest-grassland edge
with water nearby is considered ideal. The 2005 FGS survey will make a more
intense effort in southeast Wisconsin, but reports of sightings from anywhere in
the state are welcome.
If you think you have seen a Franklin’s ground squirrel please contact
info@chiwaukee.org
Click on the image below for a larger version.
When To Start Looking: Franklin’s ground
squirrels are semi-colonial and the males come up first, usually in April.
The grasses are still short and the males are staking out territories and
vocalizing (they sound similar to 13-lined ground squirrels). This is the best
time of the year to search by sight and sound.
Where To Look: Habitat varies from fence rows to old fields, to even a
city park. Several of the newer state mammal guides refer to the FGS as a
tallgrass prairie dependent, but recent experience by Richard Bautz and others
in the Midwest and Canada does not support this. The older literature by
Jackson, Howell and Seton gives a more accurate habitat description. Optimal
natural habitat for FGS includes tall and short grasses near a forest edge,
ideally with a wetland, riverbank, or ditch nearby. Low brushy banks are very
good. Dikes and old railroad grades serve as dispersal corridors and may be the
best places to start looking. Burrows are usually located near the base of
low-growing shrubs and are 2-3" in diameter. FGS remove the dirt from the burrow
entrance so they may be quite inconspicuous.
Additional information on the FGS:
http://chicagowildernessmag.org/issues/winter2002/franklins.html