Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

These rare wild animals are so beautiful. Dug into my archives for this image - back to 26th May 2009. Seen in Weaselhead. Makes our common Richardson's Ground Squirrels look so plain : )

Obviously, the information below is now outdated, but still of interest. Just makes me feel even luckier than ever : ) It was the sweetest little thing.

"The Thirteen-lined or Striped Ground Squirrel, if it still exists here, may be the rarest mammal in the Calgary area today...... Calgary sightings: The only known location in Calgary where this species has been sighted is in South Glenmore Park, to the northwest of the park building. It was last reported on 28 April 2002 and 6 June 2002. A population occurs near Millarville (south of Calgary), where one was reported on 17 April 2005. " From the talkaboutwildlife website.

talkaboutwildlife.ca/profile/?s=562