Townsend Ground Squirrel Diets in the Shrub-Steppe of Southcentral Washington

Abstract

Microscopic study of fecal pellets from Townsend ground squirrels occupying the shrub steppe region of southcentral Washington showed that squirrels preferred to feed on bluegrass (Poa sp.) and forbs (Descurainia pinnata and Lupinus laxiflorus); phlox (Phlox longifolia) may also be a favored food item. Bluebunch wheatgrass (Agropyron spicatum), six-weeks fescue (Festuca octoflora), and lomatium (Lomatium macrocarpum) were avoided. No significant differences between diets of ground squirrels occupying grazed and ungrazed study areas or between diets of male and female or adult and subadult ground squirrels were found.