Thirteen-Lined Ground Squirrel - Spermophilus tridecemlineatus

Minnesota is often called the "Gopher State". The mascot and team name of the University of Minnesota is the "Golden Gophers." Strange thing is, these references aren't really to a gopher at all, but to a Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrel, which, in fact is more closely related to a chipmunk.

The gopher, or "Pocket Gopher" is a much more unattractive beast, with large digging teeth on the outside of its lips, long claws and external pouches on either side of its mouth. The Ground Squirrel, on the other hand, is a much more presentable (albeit odd) sports team symbol. It is more on this side of "cute" than the real gopher.

The Thirteen Lined Ground Squirrel lives in the plains and grasses of western Minnesota and is easily identified by the pattern of "stars and stripes" that go down its back. It can often be seen standing upright in ditches and fields, scanning the horizon for predators.