under a layer of earth

pen and ink cartoon by Sandra Santa lucia/2/11

Illustration Friday's topic for the week of February 18 - 24 is layer. In the spring, ground squirrels (gophers) come out of their dens around Feb./March.

Near the end of June, adult males go back into hibernation. Adult females do the same in July. But the young are active all summer. In August to late fall when there is less food to be found they go into hibernation. Shelter - They dig a burrow with many tunnels, openings, and different room (called chambers). If a predator (enemy) comes in one hole, they can escape out another hole. Food - The Richardson's Ground Squirrels store some food during hibernation, they wake up every 10 to 14 days and have a snack.