European Souslik Spermophilus citellus

Sousliks are small Ground Squirrels native to Eurasia. The European Souslik, also called European Ground Squirrel, is native to Eastern Europe, from Central Europe to the south-east.

Their habitat is dry, open grasslands and they can remain well-hidden in grass. Diet is mainly seeds, grains and nuts.

They live in gregarious systems of burrows which they dig with their long, sharp claws. In winter they hibenate in their burrows.

Like several other ground squirrels (and meerkats) they post a sentry to warn of predators while foraging. The species is classified as vulnerable.