Vertebrate Coactions With the Franklin Ground Squirrel

Nearly 30 years of observation of Franklin ground squirrels in central and northeast Iowa indicates that they are of minor importance as prey for carnivorous birds, mammals, and reptiles. These ground squirrels are predators of some significance on eggs and young of ground-nesting birds and the helpless young of some small mammals. The Franklin squirrel burrows are of considerable importance as dens for long-tailed weasels and spotted skunks and are of seasonal value as retreats for young opossums, striped skunks, and mink during mid-summer dispersal. Amphibia use the dens as a moist daytime refuge during hot, dry weather and garter snakes sometimes use the burrows for winter hibernation. Damaged burrows are used by small rodents and insectivores and are utilized as nest sites by cottontails and ground-nesting birds