European Ground Squirrel
Spermophilus citellus
A small southeastern European ground squirrel with yellowish-brown mottled fur, short legs and a short tail. It lives in open short-grass habitats, excavates burrows and hibernates. Zoo and conservation teams provide secure ground space with diggable soil, burrow shelter and seasonal management rather than tree-squirrel housing. Females give birth to litters of live young. Its short tail distinguishes it from the bushy-tailed squirrels in this group.
Colors: Wild Type
