A small ground squirrel native to North America, characterized by distinctive longitudinal stripes along its dorsal surface. Inhabits grasslands, prairies, and agricultural areas across central and midwestern United States and southern Canada.
Open grasslands, agricultural fields, roadsides, parks, and urban green spaces with short vegetation and well-drained soils. Prefers areas with sparse ground cover that allow for easy movement and burrow construction.
Key seed disperser, prey species for predators, contributes to soil aeration through burrowing activities, and plays a role in grassland ecosystem dynamics.
