Columbian ground squirrels are social animals that live in colonies, and are commonly seen in the summer. They can be found in open alpine meadows, grasslands, brushy areas, forest clearings, and agricultural fields.
They need light, sandy soil for burrowing; their underground burrows are used for many years. Columbian ground squirrels are diurnal; they're active during the day, and sleep in their burrows at night. They are in torpor, a type of hibernation, for around 250 days a year. 
They raise one litter per year. Young are born naked, blind, and toothless. After 5–6 days, their weight has doubled. Around day 17, the eyes are beginning to open. They may emerge into the sunlight outside the den around day 21–24. After 4 weeks, they are able to leave the nest altogether.
These squirrels are very social; they greet each other by touching their mouths and noses together. The most common activities for Columbian ground squirrels, while above ground, include standing at attention, feeding, and grooming, as well as eating. They emerge from dens about an hour before sunrise and return near sunset. They are active during the hottest parts of the day, but more likely to be found out around mid-morning. They are primarily herbivorous, eating grasses, leaves, bulbs, fruits, and seeds, but they will occasionally eat birds, insects, and other small animals. Like most small mammals in Alberta, their predators include grizzly bears, coyotes, wolves, and golden eagles. Despite their cute appearance, these animals can be dangerous. They will bite, and they can carry fleas and wood ticks that cause Rocky Mountain spotted fever. |