These produce areas of static water which retain ice cover for longer, allowing individuals to move to new aeas.

[1] The russet ground squirrel has a stout, low-slung body, short legs and a well-furred tail.

It is found along river valleys, at the edges of forests, on the slopes of ravines, on road sides, pastures and uncultivated lands.

The diet consists of the green parts of plants, roots, bulbs, grass seed, cereals and other agricultural crops.

Reproduction takes place in the summer with pregnancy lasting approximately 23 days and the brood size averaging seven to eight young.

The main factors that determine mortality include exceptionally cold weather during the hibernation period, the late arrival of spring, human disturbance, predators and outbreaks of disease.