My yard might be full of chipmunks, but so far, I haven’t spotted any thirteen-lined ground squirrels. They seem to be more common in the southern part of the state than in my part. They rarely drink water, getting it from their food instead, which ranges from vegetative to animal matter like insects, mice, small birds and each other. They come out of their tunnels on warm, sunny day so unlikely they were out yesterday in the rain. The thirteen-lined ground squirrels do have 13 stripes – seven dark separated by six lighter stripes.

Mister Stripey 

I see a lot of tracks in the snow, but no signs of rodents like chipmunks or ground squirrels. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels begin hibernation in September or early October and emerge between late March and early May in the northern portions of their range. They only venture out of their burrows when the sun is high and the earth is warm so no peeking out in the sub-zero temperatures.

Thirteen-lined ground squirrels, as its name implies, has 13 stripes running the length of its body. They are omnivorous eating worms, insects, small birds, mice as well as seeds, roots, grains, vegetables and fruits. They store seeds and grass for late autumn and early spring when food is scarce.

Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel