Scientists in Alberta are seeking help from the public to locate a rare rodent known as the Franklin’s ground squirrel. This elusive squirrel is the focus of a research project spearheaded by wildlife biologist Jess Haines in collaboration with Nature Alberta.
The project was initiated after local naturalists observed a decline in the squirrel population and realized that no research was being conducted on the species. The goal of the project is to provide evidence of the decline in Franklin’s ground squirrel population, which is currently classified as “undetermined” by the Alberta government due to insufficient data.
Unlike Richardson’s ground squirrels, which thrive in human-modified environments like pastures and golf courses, Franklin’s ground squirrels depend strictly on natural habitats with dense brush and forested areas. Human activities such as land conversion for agriculture and urban expansion have directly contributed to the decline of these squirrels, which were once widespread in central Alberta and beyond.
Despite some robust populations, there is concern that certain populations may disappear in the near future. Franklin’s ground squirrels, unlike other ground squirrel species, exist naturally in low numbers and densities, making them vulnerable to local extinctions.
Jess Haines and her team, including students, spend significant time in the field studying Franklin’s ground squirrels. They capture the squirrels briefly for research purposes before releasing them back into the wild. The project also encourages the public to share historical and current squirrel sightings via iNaturalist, a platform for sharing wildlife observations. Researchers aim to track the historical and current distribution of the species in the province through these submissions.
The project, which has no set end date, focuses on different aspects every few years. Currently, the team is studying the squirrel’s diet and habitat. Myrna Pearman from the Red Deer River Naturalists, who has developed an affinity for these squirrels, has joined the fieldwork to photograph them. She hopes that increased attention to the declining population will lead to protection measures from the government.
With 14 squirrel species in Alberta, including five ground squirrel varieties, the Franklin’s ground squirrel stands out with its grey head and long bushy tail. As of now, no squirrel species in Alberta are classified as at-risk.
