The Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) Is a small, slender ground squirrel with alternating dark brown and pale yellowish stripes running down its back, often broken up by rows of light-colored spots. It has small ears, a narrow tail, and a body about 4½–6½ inches long, not including the tail.
Diet: An omnivore that eats grass and weed seeds, leaves, roots, and other plant material, along with insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. It occasionally eats eggs and small animals, too.
Range: Central North America, from southern Canada south into parts of the central United States, extending east to Ohio and west toward the Rocky Mountains.
Habitat: Open grasslands, prairies, pastures, roadsides, parks, and cemeteries. These squirrels favor short grass and well-drained soil where they can easily spot predators and dig underground burrows.
Interesting Fact: Thirteen-lined ground squirrels are true hibernators, spending much of the colder months underground in specialized burrows. They can lower their body temperature dramatically and slow their heart rate to conserve energy. Their preference for short, sunny lawns and open ground is also why they are so often spotted in cemeteries, where neatly maintained grass provides ideal habitat.
A personal note about this illustration: I often spotted thirteen-lined ground squirrels locally while visiting cemeteries, where their little striped bodies would pop up from the grass. I paired two squirrels with a human skull in this illustration. They’re so cute, but what’s inside their underground burrows?
Product Details: This listing is for a print of my original work. Printed on high quality watercolor paper with archival ink. Watermark will not appear on your print. Each print is hand signed, giving it a unique touch.
Shipping details: Prints will be packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve with backing board, and shipped to you in a sturdy mailer. Orders are shipped First Class via USPS within 2 business days of initial order.
Year created: 2022
Copyright Nora Steele 2026
Images may not be reproduced, resold or used in any form without written consent. This listing is for print only, frame is not included.
The Thirteen-lined Ground Squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) Is a small, slender ground squirrel with alternating dark brown and pale yellowish stripes running down its back, often broken up by rows of light-colored spots. It has small ears, a narrow tail, and a body about 4½–6½ inches long, not including the tail.
Diet: An omnivore that eats grass and weed seeds, leaves, roots, and other plant material, along with insects such as grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. It occasionally eats eggs and small animals, too.
Range: Central North America, from southern Canada south into parts of the central United States, extending east to Ohio and west toward the Rocky Mountains.
Habitat: Open grasslands, prairies, pastures, roadsides, parks, and cemeteries. These squirrels favor short grass and well-drained soil where they can easily spot predators and dig underground burrows.
Interesting Fact: Thirteen-lined ground squirrels are true hibernators, spending much of the colder months underground in specialized burrows. They can lower their body temperature dramatically and slow their heart rate to conserve energy. Their preference for short, sunny lawns and open ground is also why they are so often spotted in cemeteries, where neatly maintained grass provides ideal habitat.
A personal note about this illustration: I often spotted thirteen-lined ground squirrels locally while visiting cemeteries, where their little striped bodies would pop up from the grass. I paired two squirrels with a human skull in this illustration. They’re so cute, but what’s inside their underground burrows?
Product Details: This listing is for a print of my original work. Printed on high quality watercolor paper with archival ink. Watermark will not appear on your print. Each print is hand signed, giving it a unique touch.
Shipping details: Prints will be packaged in a protective cellophane sleeve with backing board, and shipped to you in a sturdy mailer. Orders are shipped First Class via USPS within 2 business days of initial order.
Year created: 2022
Copyright Nora Steele 2026
Images may not be reproduced, resold or used in any form without written consent. This listing is for print only, frame is not included.
