Mammals diurnal

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

Ictidomys tridecemlineatus

Meet the prairie’s most stylish speedster, the Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel. With its intricate racing stripes and alert 'picket-pin' stance, this burrowing mammal is a master of the short-grass plains.

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Quick Identification

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Size

Length: 17-31 cm (7-12 in); Weight: 110-270 g (4-9.5 oz)

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Colors

Tan to dark brown base with 13 alternating lines of solid white/buff and rows of light spots; belly is creamy white

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Key Features

13 distinct stripes running from neck to rump
Rows of light-colored spots within the dark stripes
Slender, cylindrical body with a relatively short, thin tail
Large eyes and small, recessed ears for a streamlined profile

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern diurnal

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Peak hours 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (especially on bright, sunny days)

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Season April-September

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Diet Omnivorous foraging; consumes seeds, grass, and grain, but nearly half its diet consists of insects like grasshoppers and crickets.

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Habitat Open grasslands, prairies, suburban lawns, parks, and golf courses with well-drained soil.

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Behavior

The Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel is a quintessential prairie dweller, often seen standing bolt upright like a small 'picket pin' to survey its surroundings. They are primarily solitary and spend a significant portion of their lives underground in complex burrow systems. Unlike many other squirrels, they are true hibernators, disappearing into their burrows in late summer or early autumn and not emerging until the spring thaw.

When above ground, they are highly alert and remarkably fast, darting between foraging spots with a low-profile run. They communicate with high-pitched chirps or trills, which has earned them the nickname 'squinny' in some regions. While they are generally shy around humans, they adapt well to manicured environments like suburban lawns, golf courses, and cemeteries where the short grass allows them to spot predators from a distance.

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Camera Tips

To capture these 'striped gophers' on camera, placement is everything. Because they are low-slung and rarely climb, your camera must be positioned just a few inches off the ground. Mounting the camera on a small tripod or a low stake is better than a tree trunk. Aiming the lens at a slight upward angle can create a dramatic, intimate look at their foraging behavior. Look for their burrow entrances—clean, 2-inch wide holes without a mound of dirt—and set your camera about 3-5 feet away to ensure they are in focus when they emerge.

Since these squirrels are most active during the warmest, brightest parts of the day, choose a spot with good natural lighting. Avoid heavy shade, as the camera's shutter speed might slow down, resulting in motion blur when the squirrel darts away. If you are struggling to get them to pause for a photo, a small handful of black oil sunflower seeds or a smear of peanut butter on a flat stone can act as an irresistible 'photo op' station. They are particularly attracted to areas where the grass is kept short, so a freshly mowed patch of yard is often the best stage for your camera setup.

In terms of settings, a fast trigger speed (0.2 seconds or less) is vital because these squirrels are incredibly twitchy and fast. If your camera supports 'Burst Mode,' set it to take 3-5 photos per trigger to catch that perfect moment when they stand on their hind legs to scout. For video, a high frame rate will allow you to capture their rapid movements smoothly. Remember that they are true hibernators and disappear early—sometimes as soon as late August for adult males—so plan your camera deployments for the heat of June and July for the best results.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel.

Least Chipmunk

Much smaller with stripes that continue onto the face; lacks the distinctive rows of spots found on the ground squirrel.

Franklin's Ground Squirrel

Larger and lacks the stripes entirely, appearing more uniform greyish-brown with a salt-and-pepper texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels are strictly diurnal and love the sun. They are most active during the warmest part of the day, typically between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Unlike many other mammals, they rarely emerge on cloudy or rainy days.

To attract Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels, keep your grass mowed short, as they prefer open visibility to feel safe from predators. Providing a source of seeds, such as sunflower seeds or cracked corn near known burrow holes, will often draw them out into view of your camera.

They have a varied diet that includes seeds, green vegetation, and roots. However, they are also predatory toward insects, eating large quantities of grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars, which makes them beneficial for natural pest control.

Yes, they are very common in suburban areas that feature large, open lawns. They are frequently found in parks, cemeteries, and residential yards where the soil is easy to dig and the grass is kept short.

The easiest way to tell them apart is the stripes. Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrels have 13 alternating lines and spots that run all the way down their back but do not reach their face. Chipmunks have fewer stripes, and their stripes extend onto their face around the eyes.

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