May Prey – Uinta Ground Squirrel
June 4, 2015
Uinta Ground Squirrel
A close relative of the Piute ground squirrel, the Uinta ground squirrel (Urocitellus armatus) inhabits eastern Idaho, southern Montana, western Wyoming, and northern Utah. Hibernating up to 9 months out of the year, these squirrels form a key prey base for many breeding raptors within its range.
High in a wet mountain meadow within the Uinta Mountains of Northern Utah, this Uinta ground squirrel was enjoying the fresh greenery beginning to sprout up from the newly snow-free soil.
No doubt several mountain dwelling raptors prey upon this foundational species including Golden Eagles and Northern Goshawks.
No Comments