While riding along the dirt trails of the Dry Canyon in Redmond, Oregon, I noticed something in the distance. For some reason I was thinking rabbit, until I got a little closer. My thought then went to rock chuck, which after looking at the critter through my camera lens, I realized it wasn’t that either.
So I snapped off a few shots, moved a little closer, snapped off a few more and moved in a little closer…oops…too close. The critter disappeared into a hole.
California Ground Squirrel
When I got home and began looking at the creature, I realized it was something I hadn’t photographed before. There are a number of mammals I haven’t photographed, so it’s not like I’ve shot so many I’m hitting the bottom of the barrel, but I rarely see new mammals in town.
But this California Ground Squirrel was definitely a new creature. Not only that, but they are mostly known in the western part of the state, on the other side of Cascade Mountains.
Misty Dawn’s Camera Critter Meme is a great way see critters the world over. Go to the homepage here to see more. Then join the fun and add your own.
