Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel

A typical adult ranges from 23 to 30 centimetres (9.1–11.8 in) in length. The golden-mantled ground squirrel can be identified by its chipmunk-like stripes and coloration, but unlike chipmunks, it lacks any facial stripes. Similarly to chipmunks, it hibernates, building up its body fat so to survive the winter asleep, and is also known to store some food in its burrow, for consumption upon waking in the spring. It also has cheek pouches for carrying food.
Seen in Panum Crater, Mono Lake, CA. Sep, 2014.