The golden-mantled ground squirrel (Callospermophilus lateralis) is found in mountainous and meadow areas of western North America. Like the chipmunk they have cheek pouches which allow them to transport food back to their nests and still run at full speed on all fours. Golden-mantled ground squirrels dig shallow burrows up to 30 metres in length and eat seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and underground fungi. Predators include hawks, jays, weasels, foxes, bobcats, and coyotes.

Sequoia National Park is in the southern Sierra Nevada in California. The park is famous for its giant sequoia trees boasting five out of the ten largest trees in the world, including the General Sherman tree which is the largest of all trees.