Feeding behaviour and distance from burrows of Columbian ground squirrels

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Abstract
Percent cover of clover, a highly preferred forage of Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus), increased with increasing distance from burrows. Ground squirrels feeding far from burrows consumed more clover and during the first 10 min of a feeding bout fed at greater rates than did ground squirrels feeding near burrows. Body weights did not differ between feeding locations. Because abundance of preferred forage as well as risk of predation increases with increasing distance from burrows, the feeding behaviour of ground squirrels is mediated by time budgeting and differs with distance from burrows.