Social behaviour of the golden-mantled ground squirrel (Spermophilus lateralis)

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Abstract
The social interactions of golden-mantled ground squirrels (Spermophilus lateralis) observed during a 2-year study in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta under natural conditions are described and quantitatively analyzed. Agonistic interactions were common for all age and sex groups, except among littermates before dispersal. Among adults, cohesive and recognitive behaviours were restricted almost exclusively to male–female interactions. For young, cohesive and recognitive behaviours occurred with other young (mainly littermates) and with the mother. This species can be categorized as "asocial" according to G. R. Michener's classification of social organization in ground squirrels.