Population Characteristics and Phenology of a Franklin Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus franklinii) Colony in Alberta, Canada

Data on population characteristics and phenology were obtained by live-trapping a colony of Franklin ground squirrels from 1969 to 1972 in central Alberta. Adult ground squirrels emerged from hibernation early in April; males disappeared underground again in early and mid-July, most females in late July. Juveniles were first captured in late June and early July and probably disappeared underground in early September. Both adults and juveniles gained weight more rapidly in midand late summer and attained greater weights than reported for Franklin ground squirrels elsewhere. Density of adults (1.25 to 2.50/ha) was within the range of other reports for this species. Sex ratio approximated 1: 1 for both adults and juveniles. Minimum survival rates over winter were relatively high (31 to 46%), slightly higher for adults than for juveniles.