Squirrels In The Mist

Day 303: Friday and Saturday were our two annual volunteer recognition picnics. The first is held at Longmire where we have use of the historic Community Building. The second is at Sunrise and, although we have the option to hold it indoors if the weather is bad, we're usually willing to put up with a light chill and/or sprinkles to have it in the picnic area. This year, the decision was made with a metaphorical flip of a coin as Rovers and other volunteers began to gather after having spent time on the trail. We set up a grill in the mist-shrouded picnic area and watched as several Cascade Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrels (Callospermophilus saturatus) enjoyed their own personal harvests. This pudgy little moocher had what appeared to be a mushroom in its hands, but whether it had been gathered from nature or was the ill-gotten gain from some visitor's lunch was debatable. I thought the stem looked rather too neatly sliced to have been anything other than commercially raised, but the mist might have been distorting my view. As for the picnic, at the end of the first hour, a few raindrops began falling. Within five minutes, a deluge dropped, bringing the festivities to a hasty and soggy close.

Cascade Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel, Callospermophilus Saturatus

Day 322: Scientific name or common name, you've said a mouthful by the time you've pronounced "Callospermophilus saturatus" or "Cascade Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel," and that's the truth! At this time of year, you'll see these critters scurrying through the subalpine meadows, their cheeks bulging with food as they "bulk up" for winter hibernation. A distinct species from other golden-mantled ground squirrels, the Cascade Golden-Mantled Squirrel is endemic to Washington and British Columbia and is the largest member of the sub-genus. Although their primary diet consists of fungi and vegetation, they also consume seeds, fruit and occasionally carrion. As their name implies, they live in underground burrows.

Callospermophilus Saturatus, Cascade Golden-Mantled Ground Squirrel

Day 352: Squirrel! You might easily mistake Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel (Callospermophilus saturatus) for a chipmunk due to its size and lateral stripes. However, the broad, dark saddle and eye ring tell the story. Chipmunks and squirrels are members of the same family (Sciuridae). The easiest way to tell them apart is that chipmunks have a light stripe running through the eye and squirrels have only a ring of lighter fur surrounding it. Ground Squirrel's "racing stripes" may be more pronounced than those exhibited by this individual, giving it an even stronger resemblance to the chips of the area, so check that eye! Both can be very persistent pests in the backcountry, gnawing holes in packs and tents to get at food, or even chewing on sweaty boots and other clothing for the salt.