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Richardson's Ground Squirrel (Spermophilus richardsonii) is a North American ground squirrel in the genus Spermophilus.

Native to the short grass prairies, Richardson's Ground Squirrel is found mainly in the northern states of the United States and in southern Canada, such as North Dakota and southern AlbertaAlberta is one of Canada's provinces. Its capital is the city of Edmonton. Other cities and towns include Banff, Calgary, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat. See also: List of communities in Alberta. As of 2004, the population of the province was 3,183. Typical adults are about 30cm long. Weights vary greatly with time of year and with location: at emergence from hibernation the squirrels weigh between 200 and 400 grams, but by the time they hibernate again this may have risen to nearly 750 grams; males are slightly larger and heavier than females on average. They are dark brown on the upper side and tan underneath. The tail is shorter and less bushy than in other ground squirrels, and the external ears are so short as to look more like holes in the animal's head. Behavior is more like that of a prairie dogCynomys gunnisoni ''Cynomys leucurus ''Cynomys ludovicianus ''Cynomys mexicanus ''Cynomys parvidens Prairie dogs are small stout-bodied burrowing rodents with shallow cheek pouches native to both North and Central America. In 2003 they came to public atte than a typical ground squirrel. The tail is constantly trembling, so the animal is sometimes called the "Flickertail".

Although they are territorial around their nest sites, the burrows of Richardson's ground squirrels are grouped closely together in colonies, and individuals give audible alarm call s when possible predators approach. Recent research has shown that in some cases, ultrasonic alarm calls are given, and are responded to by other members of the colony.

Richardson's Ground Squirrels hibernateHibernation is a state of regulated hypothermia, lasting several days or weeks that allows animals to conserve energy during the winter. During hibernation animals slow their metabolism to very low levels, with body temperature and breathing rates lowered; adult squirrels may hibernate as early as July, though in their first year, the young squirrels do not hibernate until September. The males emerge from hibernation in March, and establish territoriesThe term territory is also used in politics. In ethology, sociobiology and behavioral ecology, the term territory refers to any geographical area that an animal of a particular species consistently defends against conspecifics (and, occasionally, animals before the females emerge a couple of weeks later. The young, up to 8 in a litter, are born in April or May.

Because they will readily eat crop species, Richardson's Ground Squirrels are sometimes considered to be agricultural pestThe primary meaning of pest is an animal which has characteristics which people regard as being injurious or harmful. It can also refer to plants ( weeds). Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill, retard growth, or prevent reproduction of pests. Pleases.