FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 13, 2024
Contact: Rich Staffen, DNR Zoologist
[email protected] or 608-288-2900

Report Franklin's Ground Squirrel Sightings This Fall

Submit your sightings of the Franklin's ground squirrel, a Wisconsin special concern species. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to report Franklin’s ground squirrel sightings this fall. With a gray head and tan, flecked body, the Franklin's ground squirrel (above) looks like a grey squirrel, but this special concern species has a shorter, less bushy tail and small ears.

The Franklin’s ground squirrel is found from northwest to southeast Wisconsin, but most recent reports are restricted to far northwestern counties (especially Douglas County) and central Wisconsin. The species is semi-colonial (sometimes living in groups of two or more) and prefers brushy and partly wooded areas, dense grassy, shrubby marshland and prairie edges.

"Reports on special concern species help us know what may have changed with the population so that we can make informed plans to offset any declines," said Rich Staffen, DNR zoologist. "This species is uncommon statewide and difficult to survey for, so records from the public are one of the best ways to gather additional information."

They are true hibernators and are only active above ground from April to September.

If you see a Franklin's ground squirrel, submit photos and sighting information to the Rare Species Reporting form.