allen thirteen-lined squirrel
By Leo
Spermophilus tridecemlineatus alleni
The thirteen-lined squirrel is from 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 inches long, with a tail that is 2 1/2 to 5 inches long. The body is light to dark brown, with 13 stripes down its back. The stripes alternate between solid white and ark with white dots. Thirteen-lined ground squirrels are plentiful in Illinois. Their only predators are hawks, weasels, badgers, dogs, and cats.
Their homes
Thirteen-lined ground squirrels make three types of burrows.
• Hiding burrows are short and there are lots of them.
• Nesting burrows are larger.
• Hibernating burrows, below the frost line (20-40 inches deep) contain a large nest and a plugged entrance.