THE SQUIRRELS 309 



months, after which they awake and feed upon the stored 

 seeds and such other food as they can find outside. Dur- 

 ing this spring season they dig up newly planted corn and 

 other seeds. The young are generally born in April, 

 there being six to ten in each litter. 



In Wyoming, the Dakotas, and neighboring states the 

 Gray Ground Squirrel or Franklin's Spermophile is the 

 most abundant species. It bears a striking resemblance to 

 the tree-loving Gray Squirrel of the Eastern states. It feeds 

 on grain and forage crops as well as upon field mice and 

 grasshoppers and other insects. It has also a fondness 

 for young chickens that makes it a troublesome neighbor 

 where poultry is raised. 



In arid or semiarid regions where irrigation is practiced, 

 various species of ground squirrels do much damage to the 

 irrigation ditches by burrowing into them and deflecting 

 the water. 



Fortunately for man, these ground squirrels form the nat- 

 ural food of many predaceous mammals and birds. Such 

 animals as coyotes, badgers, foxes, and skunks feed freely 

 upon them. Hawks, owls, and eagles are always after 

 them. The general destruction of these natural enemies 

 has been an important reason for the increase in the num- 

 bers of ground squirrels. 



The most practical means of destroying these pests di- 

 rectly is the use of poisoned food. Grain or green alfalfa is 

 saturated with strychnine and placed in the burrows. Care 

 is always needed, however, to avoid accidents to people, 

 birds, and domestic animals. Precise instructions as to 

 the best methods may be obtained upon application to the 

 Biological Survey, United States Department of Agri- 

 culture. 



