The genus Spermophilus is the largest genus of ground squirrels and the one that contains the species that are most common and familiar in North America. Members of the genus are found from western Europe to Siberia and Alaska to northern Mexico. Members of the genus are sometimes called sousliks or susliks. World map showing North America A satellite composite image of North America. ... World map showing Europe A satellite composite image of Europe Europe is one of the seven traditional continents of the Earth. ... Siberian Federal District (darker red) and the broadest definition of Siberia (red) Udachnaya pipe Siberia (Russian: , Sibir; Tatar: ) is a vast region of Russia constituting almost all of Northern Asia. ... Official language(s) English Capital Juneau Largest city Anchorage Area Ranked 1st - Total 663,267 sq mi (1,717,855 km²) - Width 808 miles (1,300 km) - Length 1,479 miles (2,380 km) - % water 13. ...
Ground Squirrels are very different from Tree Squirrels, to the extent that they may warrant a separate species designation based on behavior. Ground Squirrels may sometimes carry fleas that transmit diseases to humans (see Black Plague), and have been destructive in tunneling underneath human habitation. Tree Squirrels do not tunnel. Ground Squirrels often scavenge and eat carrion, unlike Tree Squirrels, who are strictly vegetarian. Tree squirrels generally spend little time on the ground, preferring the heights of the forest canopy, while Ground Squirrels spend little time in trees, preferring the ground.
The genus Spermophilus is the largest genus of ground squirrels and the one that contains the species that are most common and familiar in North America.
Members of the genus are found from western Europe to Siberia and Alaska to northern Mexico.
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