Belding's Ground Squirrels

Two Belding's ground squirrels (Urocitellus beldingi) appear to kiss in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Frenchglen, Oregon. The ground squirrels are actually smelling each other's oral gland secretions to determine whether or not they're related. Belding's ground squirrels produce at least two odors from glands on their mouths and backs. They can determine whether they're related, and how closely they're related, by those odors.

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Contained in galleries: Mammals

Two Belding's ground squirrels (Urocitellus beldingi) appear to kiss in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge near Frenchglen, Oregon. The ground squirrels are actually smelling each other's oral gland secretions to determine whether or not they're related. Belding's ground squirrels produce at least two odors from glands on their mouths and backs. They can determine whether they're related, and how closely they're related, by those odors.