Named for the ill-fated explorer, Sir John Franklin, sightings of this mammal have become increasingly rare. Dr. Haines’ Citizen Science project seeks to collect observations.
Elusive and Little Known. In 1929, the naturalist Ernest Thompson Seton observed that little is known of the Franklin’s ground squirrel as compared to its kinsmen; nearly 100 years later, this still holds true. Further, recent observations suggest they might be in decline.
Endangered – Not Sure. Are the numbers of the Franklin’s in decline to the point of being endangered? While once common in Central Alberta, sightings have decreased over the years. The cause of this is not known and it doesn’t help that good baseline data are lacking.
Sleep, Eat, Squirrel. One of the challenges for this species is its long hibernation period. A seasonal hibernator, it can spend 7 to 8.5 months in underground hibernacula in periodic bouts of torpor. During this time, it will lose half its weight. Prior to hibernation, these omnivores eat plants such as green vegetation, fruits and seeds. They are also known as opportunistic carnivores, eating mice, toads, birds, eggs and even young snowshoe hares!
Citizen Science and Protected Areas. If you see (or better yet, get a photo) of one, please send it to Dr. Jessica Haines via her website. She is also collecting information on other squirrels. Alberta’s protected areas are excellent locations for such endeavors!
References
- Franklin’s Ground Squirrel Project, Nature Alberta
- Wilson, Don E., and Sue Ruff. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. Vancouver: UBC Press, 1999; pp. 419-420.
SAPAA 