Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel

We were unbelievably fortunate to see this little Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel last year, in one of the large parks in the city!!! Couldn't believe how beautiful it was. Obviously, the information below is now outdated, but still of interest. Just makes me feel even luckier than ever : ) It was the sweetest little thing.

"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 (south of Calgary), where one was reported on 17 April 2005. " From the great talkaboutwildlife website.

talkaboutwildlife.ca/profile/?s=562