Cute like a Chipmunk only bigger. The Golden Mantled Group Squirrel is a resident of mountain and coniferous forest regions across the western United State and Canada.
We spent some time observing this guy/gal while on a recent hike. They were busy scurrying about and not too concerned about us hanging out watching them. They moved about nimbly in the rocky terrain where we found them that afternoon.
Before we left they collected a nice big piece of moss presumably for their den.
So, if you see a giant chipmunk running around it is probably a Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel.
nature has no boss 
We don’t have those chipmunks-on-steroids as the article refers to them. Our chipmunks are normal-sized. They sure are busy little critters.
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Hi Jim, these guys are indeed much larger than the normal-sized chipmunks yet just as busy.
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Never seen one of these – we just have the little ones, which tease the dog mercilessly. 😉
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Like all in the squirrel family they know how to make a bit of mischief and do try to get away with it.
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What a cutie!
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I’ve never seen one of these. They are cute, like chipmunks, but goodness, bigger would not be good.
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This one looks similar to Palm squirrels found in India. Akin to this little guy, Palm squirrels have three white stripes running on its back. Love the pictures!
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Thanks Pragati, we have never been to India but would love to some day to both photograph the wildlife and experience the culture. From what I read about the palm squirrel it sounds like they are numerous. Is that correct?
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Yes, there are plenty. They can be easily spotted in gardens. My house is owned by them 😃 but they are scared of our presence.
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