General Distribution
Historical records for golden-mantled ground squirrel are known for the Bernardino Mountains at
Sugarloaf Mountain, San Gorgonia Peak, the south fork of the Santa Ana River, and Holocomb Valley
on the San Bernardino National Forest (Hall 1981). No golden-mantled ground squirrels have been
found on other National Forest System lands in southern California (Stephenson and Calcarone 1999). Systematics
Thirteen subspecies of golden-mantled ground squirrel are recognized throughout North America (Hall
1981). Five of these subspecies are found in California: S. l. bernardinus, S. l. terpidus, S. l.
chrysodeirus, S. l. mitratus, and S. l trinitatis. S. l. bernardinus is the only subspecies found on the
southern California National Forest System lands. Habitat Requirements
Golden-mantled ground squirrels inhabit a wide variety of montane habitats from the upper edge of the
pinyon belt to above timberline. They are most common in open, well-illuminated forests with a mix of
tall trees, brush, and open ground supporting herbaceous plants (Bartels and Thompson 1993, Williams
1986). Golden-mantled ground squirrels have also been found in sagebrush and meadow habitats with
abundant rocks for shelter (Bartels and Thompson 1993).
Golden-mantled ground squirrels dig their burrows beneath rocks, stumps, and logs; in banks; along
washes; at the base of trees; and beneath buildings. They use these burrows for resting, hibernation,
shelter, rearing of young, and escape from predators (Bartels and Thompson 1993). Hollowed-out logs
and stumps and rock piles also provide shelter and protection while foraging. Reproduction
Golden-mantled ground squirrels breed shortly after they emerge from hibernation, usually in March or
April, but sometimes as late as May. Males remain sexually active for approximately 2 months after
their emergence from hibernation (Bartels and Thompson 1993).
The gestation period is 26–33 days, and most young are born between May and late June, although
births can occur as early as April and as late the first week of August (Bartels and Thompson 1993,
Zeiner and others 1990). The average litter size is 5 with a range of 2–8. Daily/Seasonal Activity
Golden-mantled ground squirrel is a diurnal species but may be active on warm summer nights (Zeiner
and others 1990). Golden-mantled ground squirrels hibernate in the winter. Depending on the elevation
and amount of snowfall, individuals enter hibernation as early as late August and as late as November
(Bartels and Thompson 1993). Emergence from hibernation can vary from late March to May. Diet and Foraging
Golden-mantled ground squirrels are omnivorous, eating a variety of food items including fungi, seeds,
acorns, nuts, shrubs, herbs, insects, young birds, eggs, lizards, small vertebrates, and carrion (Bartels and?Thompson 1993). They may cache food locally in areas where food is abundant and may also establish
permanent stores in or near their winter burrow in late summer and early fall (Bartels and Thompson
1993). Territoriality/Home Range
The average home range of golden-mantled ground squirrels ranges from 1–1.25 acres (0.5–1.0
hectares) (Zeiner and others 1990). Golden-mantled ground squirrels are known to compete for
territories and homesites (Bartels and Thompson 1993). Predator-Prey Relations
Common predators of golden-mantled ground squirrels include diurnal and nocturnal raptors, snakes,
martens, fishers, bobcats, foxes, and weasels (Zeiner and others 1990). Literature Cited
Bartels, M.A.; Thompson; D.P. 1993. Spermopilus lateralis. Mammalian Species 440: 1-8. Published by
the American Society of Mammalogists.
Hall, E.R. 1981. The mammals of North America. 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Stephenson, J.R.; Calcarone, G.M. 1999. Southern California mountains and foothills assessment:
Habitat and species conservation issues. General Technical Report GTR-PSW-172. Albany, CA: Pacific
Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Williams, D.F. 1986. Mammalian species of concern in California. California Department of Fish and
Game Report 86-1. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Fish and Game.
Zeiner, D.C.; Laudenslayer, W.F., Jr.; Meyer, K.E.; White, M., eds. 1990. California's wildlife. Volume
III: Mammals. California statewide wildlife habitat relationships system. Sacramento, CA: California
Department of Fish and Game.
Information gathered from California DFG - California Interagency Wildlife Task Group
