Idaho Ground Squirrel - Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel (U. Brunneus Brunneus)

Northern Idaho Ground Squirrel (U. Brunneus Brunneus)

The northern Idaho ground squirrel subspecies, hereafter referred to as NIDGS, is found in Valley and Adams counties, in about two dozen isolated demes (population groups) thought to occur only at an elevations between 1150–1550 meters (3775–5075 feet). Recently, demes of NIDGS were discovered at elevations up to 2290 meters (7500 feet). The most recent numbers from the Fish and Wildlife Service suggest that 500 or less of these squirrels are in existence, however the recent discovery of squirrels at higher elevations may mean that there are indeed many more squirrels than we know of. Many areas of suitable squirrel habitat remain to be surveyed by Payette National Forest and Idaho Department of Fish and Game employees. The squirrel is currently protected by an agreement between the US Fish and Wildlife Service and private landowners, who, in exchange for federal funding, have agreed to allow the Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct conservation efforts on their land. Timber thinning and prescribed fire projects on the Payette National Forest have proven to expand some of the existing populations of Northern Idaho ground squirrels.