Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

This very attractive little guy/gal doesn't show up against the "messy" background, but I wanted to post a photo of it, as it is a very special animal. We were thrilled to see either two or three of them this morning in one of the city parks. Also known as Striped Ground Squirrel. The information on the talkaboutwildlife website gives the info below (plus more).

"The Thirteen-lined or Striped Ground Squirrel, if it still exists here, may be the rarest mammal in the Calgary area today.... Calgary sightings: The only known location in Calgary where this species has been sighted is in South Glenmore Park, to the northwest of the park building. It was last reported on 28 April 2002 and 6 June 2002. A population occurs near Millarville, where one was reported on 17 April 2005."

talkaboutwildlife.ca/profile/?s=562