General: Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels (Callospermophilus saturatus) are day active and often are seen around campgrounds and picnic areas at higher elevations in the Cascade Mountains of Washington. The head and shoulders are reddish-golden (hence the "golden mantle"), and there is some reddish on the flanks and tail. The characteristic that separates Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels from regular Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels is that the sides are dull black rather than dark black.

Description: Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels are medium-sized ground squirrels. The head and body are about 6-8 inches long, and with a 4-inch tail, they have a total length of 10-12 inches.

Taxonomy: Formerly Spermophilus saturatus.

Habitat: Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels live in montane communities in the upper Transition (Yellow Pine Forest), Canadian (Pine-Fir Forest), Hudsonian (Bristlecone Forest), and Alpine Tundra (Alpine) life zones.

Where to Find: Around Las Vegas, don't look for Cascade Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels, rather, look for these ground squirrels in Washington state.