Richardson Ground Squirrel, also known as the flickertail, is a small rodent found in various parts of North America. There are several synonyms for the Richardson Ground Squirrel, such as prairie gopher, North American ground squirrel, and Dakrat. The flickertail's name is derived from its unique defense mechanism of flicking its bushy tail to distract predators. Richardson Ground Squirrels are herbivores and primarily feed on seeds, fruits, and vegetation. They are common in grasslands, open fields, and prairies. These small rodents are also known for their burrowing behavior and are often viewed as pests by farmers and gardeners for causing damage to crops. However, they play a vital role in their ecosystem as prey for larger predators and as seed dispersers.