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variants:
or less commonly arctic ground squirrel or Arctic squirrel or arctic squirrel
Definition of Arctic ground squirrel
: a large ground squirrel (Spermophilus parryii) of Alaska, northwestern Canada, and Siberia, that is grayish tan with a reddish face and chest, lives in large colonies, and hibernates for long periods in underground burrows
When we hiked across the tundra, we were greeted by Arctic ground squirrels, called sik sik by natives for their scolding tone.— Michael Dobrin, Los Angeles Times, 5 Aug. 2007 A biologist in Alaska has uncovered a hibernating mammal that routinely tolerates a body temperature below zero. The creature in question is the arctic ground squirrel, Spermophilus parryii.— Stephen Young, New Scientist, 29 July 1989 … frequent stops to view caribou, moose, foxes, Dall sheep, eagles, hawks, Arctic squirrels and beavers …— Florence Fabricant, New York Times, 6 Sept. 1992
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The first known use of Arctic ground squirrel was in 1820
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