Geomorphic Effect of the Arctic Ground Squirrel in an Alpine Environment

The Arctic Ground Squirrel (Citellus undulatus) is an important geomorphological agent in the Ruby Range, Yukon Territory, particularly since its distribution and concentration is highly variable, depending upon the existence of favorable habitats. 320 lbs. of material per acre are being excavated annually from a total 53 acre burrowing area (8 tons per acre when calculated for actual area of occurrence) on a SE facing slope where solifluction lobes are well developed, while SW, E, and N facing slopes are little affected. This added denudational component may be important in considerations of valley asymmetry.