Columbian Ground Squirrel (Urocitellus columbianus) is in the Squirrels family (Sciuridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,294 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in July.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: summer visitor / breeder. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Columbian Ground Squirrel: observations by month (U.S.)
About Columbian Ground Squirrel
The Columbian ground squirrel (Urocitellus columbianus), is a species of rodent common in certain regions of Canada and the northwestern United States. It is the second largest member of the genus Urocitellus, which is part of the tribe Marmotini, along with marmots, chipmunks, prairie dogs, and other holarctic ground squirrels. They are stout, with short dense fur, which is characteristically tawny across the bridge of the nose. Social encounters often are initiated with kissing behavior and...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Columbian Ground Squirrel by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 2,267 | July | Jun–Aug |
| Idaho | 523 | June | May–Jul |
| Washington | 336 | June | Apr–Aug |
| Oregon | 168 | July | Apr–Aug |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related mammals (Squirrels)
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Fox Squirrel
Eastern Chipmunk
California Ground Squirrel
Groundhog
American Red Squirrel
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
Western Gray Squirrel
Photography tips
- Keep a legal and safe distance: 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other large animals in national parks.
- Dawn and dusk are peak activity times for most mammals.
- Use your car as a blind on wildlife drives.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Columbian Ground Squirrel?
Nationally, July has the most observations, with the main season from June to August.
Where is Columbian Ground Squirrel most often seen?
The most observations come from Montana, Idaho, Washington.