Due to the destruction of prairie, the populations of Franklin's ground squirrel have dwindled, approaching levels of concern.

The fur is brownish grey marked with both light and dark speckles, and fades to yellowish white on the animal's underside.

[7] Franklin's ground squirrel is found from central Alberta to southern Manitoba in Canada, and in the United States from North Dakota and Minnesota as far south as northern Kansas to northwestern Indiana.

In the spring, they feed on roots, new shoots, and grasses, shifting to leaves and flowers, and then to fruit and seeds as the year progresses.

Plants eaten include dandelion, stinging nettle, red-berried elder, white clover, and wild peas, as well as garden vegetables.

Animal material consumed ranges from insects to eggs, small rodents, fish and frogs, up to rabbits and even fully-grown mallards.

Badgers are the main predators of Franklin's ground squirrels, although they are also eaten by coyotes, foxes, weasels, hawks, and snakes.

They consist of a single nesting chamber lined with dried plant matter, and a number of side tunnels leading to food storage areas and latrines.