Monday, April 2, 2018

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels arise!

The thirteen-lined ground squirrels have arisen from their long winter slumber! These furry Rip Van Winkles enter their burrows for keeps in October(ish), and don't emerge until about now. I did see one at a south-central Ohio colony back on March 22 - my earliest ever spring date. This one was part of a Wayne County colony, and the only one I saw out yesterday.

These little beasts are a better spring alarm clock than is the fabled groundhog, and their appearance means that spring has truly arrived.

No comments: