Yellow ground squirrel

The yellow ground squirrel (Spermophilus fulvus) is a large and sturdy species of ground squirrel with naked soles on the hind feet(excluding the heels). It is found in Afghanistan, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Russia and on sandy steppes with Artemisia, glasswort and tamarisk. Is replaced by other ground squirrels in farmland and grassland. It is strictly diurnal and forages mainly in the morning when the vegetation is still damp. lives a very gregarious lifestyle in large colonies. Diet includes bulbs, seeds, stems and leaves.Like many other ground squirrels it hibernates, but it may also aestivate.