Small Furry Mountain Mammals…aka Mountain Rodents
Sep 1, 2020 16:54:15 #
While making a few trips in the Rocky Mountains this summer, I captured several images of squirrels, prairie dogs, rock chuck and chipmunks. Here’s a few of my favorites together with a few fun facts:
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Ground Squirrel - The term is most often used for the medium-sized ground squirrels, as the larger ones are more commonly known as marmots or prairie dogs. The smaller and less bushy-tailed ground squirrels tend to be known as chipmunks. (Wikipedia)
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Unita Ground Squirrel - Only active for a few months each year, they communicate with six distinct vocalizations: chirps, squeals, squawks, trills, growls, and teeth clattering. (Wikipedia)
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Uinta Ground Squirrel
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Prairie Dog – Fast skilled fighters armed with sharp claws & powerful teeth. Entire mating season is just one hour long. They live in tight-knit family groups. Vocabulary is more advanced than any other animal language that’s been decoded. (WWF)
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Pairie Dogs
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Yellow-bellied Marmot aka Rock Chuck, Adult - Large stout-bodied ground squirrels. Fully grown, weigh 3.5-11.5 lbs & live up to 15 yrs. Live in colonies of 10-20 above 6,500 ft. Hibernate 8 months of the yr. Whistles to warn of predators.(Wikipedia)
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Yellow-bellied Marmot aka Rock Chuck - Juvenile
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Least Chipmunk - Smallest chipmunk in No. America. Length ranges from less than 7 up to 9 inches, including the tail. Distinguished by the five black stripes on the back as well as the two stripes that extend onto the head. (Naturalist.org)
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Least Chipmunk
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Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel – Usually silent, they can produce expressive sounds, including a loud squeaking or chirping sound when alarmed. In combat, they may growl. Stores food inside their cheeks. Cleans fur by rolling in the dust. (Animalia)
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Sep 1, 2020 17:14:49 #
Steve F wrote:
While making a few trips in the Rocky Mountains this summer, I captured several images of squirrels, prairie dogs, rock chuck and chipmunks. Here’s a few of my favorites together with a few fun facts:
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Sep 1, 2020 17:22:10 #
Sep 1, 2020 18:14:08 #
Wonderful set, Steve! Did you get any mountain goats or sheep this year?
Sep 1, 2020 18:26:40 #
Dave327 wrote:
Enjoyed the post! Nice sharp photos and great info.
Dave, Thanks. I'm glad you enjoyed the post and the info.
Sep 1, 2020 18:28:47 #
UTMike wrote:
Wonderful set, Steve! Did you get any mountain goats or sheep this year?
Mike, Thanks. Sadly, no mountain goats or big horn sheep. I've been looking for them, but had to settle on the little critters so far. If I get some good photos of either mountain goats or big horn sheep, you can count on a post.
Sep 1, 2020 19:01:33 #
Enjoyed this excellent series, Steve...thanks for sharing with us and keep on going on those mountain trips!! 
Sep 1, 2020 19:08:05 #
jederick wrote:
Enjoyed this excellent series, Steve...thanks for sharing with us and keep on going on those mountain trips!!
Thanks. I'm always interested in how much wildlife there is in the mountains. Oftentimes, at first glance I don't see a thing....but the wildlife are usually well hidden and with a little patience and careful observation, I begin to see how much is really there.
Sep 1, 2020 20:26:22 #
Sep 1, 2020 20:28:35 #
Sep 2, 2020 09:08:35 #
Sep 2, 2020 11:06:20 #
Sep 2, 2020 11:21:14 #
Retired CPO wrote:
Very nice. Thanks for sharing these guys.
CPO, Thanks. Glad you enjoyed them.
Sep 2, 2020 11:25:29 #
Jrwil wrote:
Whistle pig is another name for the ‘ol horry marmot.
Jrwil, Interesting! The name "Whistle pig" seems to fit very well considering that it whistles to warn others of predators and it looks a bit like a small pig. I had never heard the name 'Whistle pig' before. Thanks for the comment.
Sep 2, 2020 12:06:15 #
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