Ground Squirrels, Journal Entry
Arctic Ground Squirrels
These are Arctic Ground Squirrels photographed at Hatcher Pass. They are also known as Tundra Hamburger to brown bears. They live above treeline and in the tundra of central and northern Alaska and hibernate six months of the year. Arctic ground squirrels, like their cousins in the Lower 48, prairie dogs, live in colonies. When danger is present they emit a high piercing alarm to warn the others in the area (listen to audio here). The alarm can be mistaken for a bird call. Cute as a button, but look at those sharp teeth!
These are Arctic Ground Squirrels photographed at Hatcher Pass. They are also known as Tundra Hamburger to brown bears. They live above treeline and in the tundra of central and northern Alaska and hibernate six months of the year. Arctic ground squirrels, like their cousins in the Lower 48, prairie dogs, live in colonies. When danger is present they emit a high piercing alarm to warn the others in the area (listen to audio here). The alarm can be mistaken for a bird call. Cute as a button, but look at those sharp teeth!