I think this is a least chipmunk (Neotamias minimus).

Cascade Mountains - Jackson County - Oregon - USA

Tags:   Chipmunk Least Chipmunk Cascade Mountains Jackson County Oregon USA Mark Heatherington

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California Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi)

As far as I can tell, this one left the safety of ground cover to warm in the morning sun.

Emigrant Lake - Jackson County - Oregon - USA

"The California ground squirrel can be found in south central Oregon, western Washington and most parts of California... The majority of the California ground squirrel's diet is made up of plant parts like leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, berries and fruits. Occasionally, it will eat insects and small animals... The California ground squirrel is diurnal, that means it is most active in the daytime. It lives in colonies, but the squirrels tend not to socialize with each other. Several squirrels may share a burrow, but they each will have their own entrance. Burrows are made under a tree, log or rock. The California ground squirrel can climb trees, but it spends most of its time on the ground."
Source : NatureWorks

Tags:   California Ground Squirrel Spermophilus beecheyi Emigrant Lake Jackson County Oregon USA Mark Heatherington Squirrel

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Cascade Mountains - Jackson County - Oregon - USA

"The Douglas' squirrel is one of the smaller tree squirrels in Oregon. The color and markings of this squirrel differ individually, geographically and seasonally, appearing a dusky olive to brownish gray with an indistinct band of reddish brown with a blackish band along the flanks.
In Oregon, it occurs in coniferous forests from the Pacific coast to as far east as western Baker County.
Douglas' squirrels are active during the daylight hours year-round, although they may remain in their nests or tree dens for a day or two during inclement weather."
- Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife

Tags:   Douglas' squirrel Tamiasciurus douglasii Cascade Mountains Jackson County Oregon USA Mark Heatherington Squirrel

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Emigrant Lake - Jackson County - Oregon - USA

"The California ground squirrel can be found in south central Oregon, western Washington and most parts of California... The majority of the California ground squirrel's diet is made up of plant parts like leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, berries and fruits. Occasionally, it will eat insects and small animals... The California ground squirrel is diurnal, that means it is most active in the daytime. It lives in colonies, but the squirrels tend not to socialize with each other. Several squirrels may share a burrow, but they each will have their own entrance. Burrows are made under a tree, log or rock. The California ground squirrel can climb trees, but it spends most of its time on the ground."
Source : NatureWorks

Tags:   California Ground Squirrel Spermophilus beecheyi Squirrel Emigrant Lake Jackson County Oregon USA Mark Heatherington Wildlife

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These three young Ground Squirrels seemed almost overwhelmed exploring their new world. Mom was nearby.

California Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus beecheyi)

Emigrant Lake - Jackson County - Oregon - USA

"The California ground squirrel can be found in south central Oregon, western Washington and most parts of California... The majority of the California ground squirrel's diet is made up of plant parts like leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, berries and fruits. Occasionally, it will eat insects and small animals... The California ground squirrel is diurnal, that means it is most active in the daytime. It lives in colonies, but the squirrels tend not to socialize with each other. Several squirrels may share a burrow, but they each will have their own entrance. Burrows are made under a tree, log or rock. The California ground squirrel can climb trees, but it spends most of its time on the ground."
Source : NatureWorks

Tags:   California Ground Squirrel Spermophilus beecheyi Emigrant Lake Jackson County Oregon USA Mark Heatherington

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