Franklin's ground squirrel was once common in central Alberta; however, it has become increasingly rare over the years. Many naturalists comment that they no longer see this species at all. The cause of the decline is not known. In fact, we know very little about this animal at all.This mammal is more secretive than most ground squirrels. It's usually found in shrublands and semi-open areas. Franklin’s are the least social of the ground squirrels and live in small loosely knit colonies. They are the only ground squirrels known to also climb trees. The most noticeable feature of the Franklin's ground squirrel is the long, bushy tail, which is about a third the size of the animal. The animal's colour is grayish, fading to a light reddish tone. These rodents are most active above ground during the day, avoiding the midday heat by sheltering in shrubbery or disappearing into their dens. 
Franklin's ground squirrels are omnivorous, feeding mainly on vegetation in the spring and late summer, with meat and eggs forming a large part of their diet in the early summer. In the spring, they feed on roots and grasses, shifting to leaves and flowers, and then to fruit and seeds as the year progresses. Plants eaten include dandelion, stinging nettle, white clover, and wild peas, as well as garden vegetables. Animal material consumed ranges from insects to eggs, small rodents, fish and frogs, up to rabbits and even fully-grown ducks.
Badgers are the main predators of Franklin's ground squirrels, although they are also eaten by coyotes, foxes, weasels, hawks, and snakes. Franklin's ground squirrels are diurnal, spending the night in burrows which are usually built on steep slopes. The burrows are about 8 cm in diameter, and can extend over 40 cm below ground. They consist of a single chamber lined with dried plant material, and a number of side tunnels leading to food storage areas and latrines. Burrows typically have two or three entrances. Each burrow is home to only one or two squirrels during the spring and summer, when the animals are generally antisocial. The squirrel can hibernate from about August to April. Litters range in size from two to thirteen pups, with eight being average. The young are born naked and blind, with their eyes only opening after about 20 days. Females can live for four to five years, while males typically do not survive beyond the age of two. |