Ground SquirrelSpermophilus parryii

AppearanceThe arctic ground squirrel, or siksik is the largest of all theground squirrels and also the most northern dwelling squirrel.It has two annual molts, one in June and one in the autumn.The summer coat tends to be more reddish and the wintercoat, more greyish. The average weight of a female is generally700g. The average weight of a male is generally 800g.

Food And FeedingThe arctic ground squirrel is omnivorous. It eats a variety oftundra vegetation such as leaves, seeds, stems, flowers, grassroots and fruit. In addition, it may eat carrion, eggs, otherground squirrels and even some nesting birds.

BehaviourArctic ground squirrels are social animals that live in colonies.Adult males will try to control an area that contains more thanone female. They kill and eat young ground squirrels fromother colonies. Not only does this provide the colony with foodit also increases the territory available to future generations.These squirrels wander the tundra and develop a little systemof trails. They travel low to the ground and if alarmed, willmake a dash for their burrow. They are not afraid of water andwill swim across small creek beds that get in their way. The per-mafrost of the arctic limits ground squirrels to digging shallowtunnels and burrows. Their systems are extensive, sometimeshaving as many as fifty-six entrances in an area covering 46square meters. Arctic ground squirrels hibernate for roughly 7months of the year. Their hibernation dens are lined with acombination of grasses, lichens, leaves and even some caribouor ground squirrel hair. During hibernation, their body tem-perature drops by more than half they must have enough fat onthem to last until April or May when they first start emerging

from their dens. Afterthey emerge, thesquirrels feed on acache of food theystored the summerbefore as they waitfor fresh vegetationto begin growing.

RangeThe arctic ground

squirrel can be found in the Kivalliq region and in the southernportion of the Kitikmeot region and on Melville Peninsula in theBaffin region.

HabitatThe habitat of the Arctic Ground Squirrel is limited by permafrost.In Nunavut, it is generally restricted to gravel or sandy hills, wherethe soil drains and prevents permafrost from developing near thesurface. Some typical habitats also include eskers, moraines, river-banks, lakeshores, sand banks and meadows.

ReproductionArctic ground squirrels breed in May. After a gestation period ofabout 25 days, they give birth to an average of 6 young. The youngare completely helpless but develop quickly. By late summer theyleave the family den and go out on their own. Many young groundsquirrels die during their first winter as their new dens either floodor are penetrated by permafrost. They reach maturity during thefollowing spring.

Status Survival and ManagementAccording to the Nunavut Wild Species 2000 report, the status ofthe arctic ground squirrel is secure. The arctic ground squirrel livesfor a maximum of 8 to 10 years in the wild. Predators in Nunavutinclude humans, carnivores and birds. Traditionally, the arcticground squirrel was used for food and a warm fur lining for theinside of parkas.

Did You Know?The arctic ground squirrel, as you read above, eats a variety of foodincluding carrion. There is a record of one having carried awayabout 900g of caribou meat during a single day!

Wildlife Fact Sheets

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