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Capture, care, and captive breeding of 13-lined ground squirrels, Spermophilus tridecemlineatus

Lab Animal volume 35, pages 33–40 (2006)Cite this article

Abstract

Researchers use the 13-lined ground squirrel for studies of hibernation biochemistry and physiology, as well as for modeling a variety of potential biomedical applications of hibernation physiology. It is currently necessary to capture research specimens from the wild; this presents a host of unknown variables, not least of which is the stress of captivity. Moreover, many investigators are unfamiliar with the husbandry of this species. The authors describe practical methods for their capture, year-round care (including hibernation), captive mating, and rearing of the young. These practices will allow the researcher to better standardize his or her population of research animals, optimizing the use of this interesting model organism.

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Figure 1: Illustration of ground squirrel handling with heavy leather gloves.
Figure 2: Mating enclosure conveniently constructed from a child's plastic sandbox.
Figure 3: Ventral view of nursing dam late in lactation.
Figure 4: Captive-bred 13-liners aged 4 d.
Figure 5: Captive-bred 13-liners.

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Acknowledgements

The authors thank Hannah V. Carey for assistance setting up our colony the first year and for subsequent encouragement and advice. They also thank Erin Jenewein, Julie Mullen, and Eric Zuniga for assistance with data collection and animal care; and John Oaks for advice on tapeworm identification. This work was supported by the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Faculty Development and Undergraduate Student Collaborative Grant Programs.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Biology & Microbiology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Oshkosh, 54901, WI

    Dana K. Vaughan, Aaron R. Gruber,  Michelle L. Michalski, Jeffrey Seidling & Sarah Schlink

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  1. Dana K. Vaughan
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Correspondence to Dana K. Vaughan.

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Vaughan, D., Gruber, A., Michalski, M. et al. Capture, care, and captive breeding of 13-lined ground squirrels, Spermophilus tridecemlineatus. Lab Anim 35, 33–40 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/laban0406-33

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