Here we have what might be considered a smaller cousin of the Columbia Ground Squirrel -- the Golden Mantled Ground Squirrel. This little critter is so named for the tan or beige color of its face, neck and shoulders. (This one is actually quite pale in color compared to others that are a stronger, almost brown shade.) Many folks, especially tourists, mistake these squirrels for chipmunks; one easy way to tell the two apart is that true chipmunks have lines on their faces, not just their bodies.

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