Spotted Ground Squirrel

To capture these shy squirrels on camera, placement is everything. Position your camera very low to the ground—no more than 6 to 10 inches high. Aim the lens toward the edge of a shrub or a patch of bare, sandy soil where you have spotted burrow openings or small tracks. Because they are small and move with sudden, darting motions, use a fast trigger speed (under 0.5 seconds) and set your camera to 'Burst Mode' or short 10-second video clips to ensure you catch them before they move out of frame.

While they don't typically visit traditional bird feeders, you can entice them into your camera's field of view by scattering a small amount of native grass seeds, cracked corn, or unsalted sunflower seeds near a known burrow entrance. Avoid placing the bait in the middle of a wide-open space; these squirrels feel vulnerable to hawks and other predators and prefer to stay near the safety of vegetation or their holes. A little bit of cover like a flat rock or a log near the bait can make them feel secure enough to linger for a photo.

Since Spotted Ground Squirrels are most active during the warmest parts of the day in spring and summer, ensure your camera isn't facing directly into the sun to prevent washed-out images or 'false triggers' caused by moving heat waves. Early morning and late afternoon provide the best natural lighting to highlight their unique spotted patterns. Keep in mind that they hibernate from late autumn through early spring, so focus your monitoring efforts during the warmer months when they are actively gathering food for the winter.