THE SQUIRREL FAMILY 395 
to live near copses, and will sometimes climb a low tree when 
pursued. Their numbers have greatly diminished with the 
advance of civilization. 
Richardson’s Ground Squirrel, Flickertail.— This is the 
short-tailed yellow ground squirrel after which North Dakota 
is called the Flickertail state. It is the most abundant 
“ gopher’ within its boundaries, and ranges’ between the 
WoopcHuck 
A gnawing animal related to the squirrels. 
western border of the Red River valley to the Missouri River, 
and northwestward into northern Montana and Saskatchewan. 
It is similar to the preceding species in size and habits and is 
fully as destructive to grain fields. 
PROJECTS AND QUESTIONS 
Make out-door studies of tree squirrels, chipmunks, and ground 
squirrels and then give to your school a full account of what you find 
out. Study all kinds that are found in your neighborhood. 
1. The species and its characteristics. — Notice the. size, color, where 
it lives, general habits, what species it is. 
2. Feeding habits. — What does it eat? Find out whether it will 
eat grain, grass, insects. Does it carry food away? To what place? 
Store it for winter? Where? 
