Gopher

Not all animals were shot before being collected.  The men brought Lewis a live ground squirrel bearing thirteen neat stripes down the back.  This is one species that has expanded its range from the time of the Corps of Discovery 200 years ago.  This phenomenon is likely due to development and agricultural practices that create grassy areas.  Often this ground squirrel can be seen standing erect surveying the landscape alongside country roads, from the Great Lakes to the Rocky Mountains.  Incidentally, the origin of the word gopher is obscure, and its connection to "gofer," as in an errand runner is considered folk etymology.

For more information about this North American mammal, click here.