Comparison of body weights between captive and free-ranging juvenile Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsoni)
Keyword(s):
Body weights of free-ranging and captive juvenile Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsoni) were determined at regular intervals during the nonhibernating season. Animals in captivity gained weight at a faster rate and to a greater extent than those in their natural habitat. Attainment of maximum weights in captive ground squirrels was associated with a reduction in food intake and could not be related to food availability, a change in temperature, or in photoperiod.