Arctic Ground Squirrel

The Arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus parryii) (Inuktitut: ᓯᒃᓯᒃ, siksik) is a species of ground squirrel in the squirrel family Sciuridae that is native to the Arctic and Subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere, mainly in North America and Asia. It is the largest species in the genus Urocitellus, its range extends farther north than that of any other squirrel, and it is the only member of the squirrel family with a Holarctic distribution. For some people in Alaska, particularly around the Aleutian Islands, the rodents are known as "parka" squirrels, likely due to their pelts being used for the ruff on parkas and other cold-weather clothing.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Arctic Ground Squirrel being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Urocitellus undulatus
• Spermophilus musicus

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Rodentia

Family

Sciuridae

Genus

Urocitellus

Species

Urocitellus parryii

More species