The arctic ground squirrel ranges across northern, eastern, and southwestern Alaska at elevations ranging from sea level to well above mountain tree lines. It is the only ground squirrel species in its range. They occur in tundra, meadow, riverbank, and lakeshore habitats with loose soils that provide early vegetation.

Do squirrels live in the Arctic?

The Arctic ground squirrel is native to the North American Arctic tundra, where its main habitats are on mountain slopes, river flats, banks, lakeshores and tundra ridges of the arctic tundra. Ground squirrels live in sandy soil due to easy digging and good drainage.

Where do ground squirrels live?

Ground squirrels prefer open grasslands and are usually found in grain fields, irrigated pastures, meadows and around residential and commercial buildings. Ground squirrels live in underground burrows where they sleep, rest, store food and raise their young. The burrow openings are about 4 inches in diameter.