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An example of this mammalian maternal care can be found here on the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. In early spring, California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi) begin their breeding season. Mothers give birth to clutches of up to 11 pups, and, because ground squirrels are known to mate with multiple individuals, the clutch may have multiple paternity. Ground squirrel young are helpless at birth, and do not open their eyes until around 5 weeks of age, and are completely reliant on their mothers during this time – based on behavioral observations, male ground squirrels provide no parental care. Mothers will even move their entire clutch of pups between burrows to avoid predation! Once the pups open their eyes, they begin to slowly explore the world around them, but still rely on their mothers to help them avoid danger from predators.
It’s often said there is no greater warrior than a mother protecting her child. Be it human world or animal kingdom, the phrase stands true.
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