The social spacing of Spermophilus beldingi (S. beldingi), is intimately connected with this species' need to hibernate through the severe winter, to gather enough fat reserves to survive hibernation, to avoid predation, and to decrease the risk of infanticide. In order to accomplish these "goals" the squirrels live in large, semi-colonial populations ( Holekamp 1986, Sherman and Morton 1979).. Within these colonies, S. beldingi utilize a home range with a core area of about 200-250 meters for adults containing about 12-15 burrow entrances (at least two of which have two or more entrances (Turner 1973)). Females defend nesting-only territories during gestation and lactation and defend these territories vehemently against non-related conspecifics (Holekamp 1986). Her relatives will often help her defend this territory, and kin will not chase each other off of their respective territories (Sherman 1981a). Despite this fact, kin and non-kin nest equal distances apart (Sherman 1981b). In the spaces between the females’ territories are the burrows of the adult males (Holekamp 1986).

 Why Home ranges?

Belding’s ground squirrel inhabits a home range because the squirrel must have plenty of space in which to gather food. Because the squirrels live in alpine and sub-alpine meadows, the food sources are not as plentiful as they would be at lower elevations. In addition, S. beldingi must be able to eat as much as possible in a short amount of time to build up sufficient fat reserves to last them through their winter hibernation.

Why Nesting Territories?

 Female defend nesting territories to prevent conspecific individuals from killing her offspring (practicing infanticide).  She also can keep away completion from her carefully constructed nest.  S. beldingi spend many hours and plenty of energy on the upkeep of their burrows and creating grass nests (Turner 1972).  Therefore, it is very important that these nests be defended.

 Burrows

S. beldingi use multiple kinds of burrows. The first type is short (1-2m long) with only one entrance, while others are long and had two or more entrances (Turner 1972 qtd in Turner 1973). Nest tunnels often collapse during the winter and ground squirrels must re-evacuate them in the spring. (Sherman 1981). These burrows serve as a predator defense (somewhere to hide when a predator shows up) and also a place to raise young. The burrows used by S. beldingi as hibernaculas are critically important.  They keep the squirrels relatively safe and shield them from the extreme cold and snow during the winter.  Thus, the burrows are also a crucial resource for Belding’s ground squirrel.

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