I was in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains with my camera ready and a good friend behind the wheel. Mia McPherson knew the area and was guiding me that morning.
Then she spotted the baby Uinta Ground Squirrels and pulled over.
Baby Uinta Ground Squirrels in the Wasatch Mountains
These two young Uinta Ground Squirrels were close together on open, dry ground. Their gray-brown coats blended well with the dirt and gravel around them.
The dark eyes, small rounded ears, and compact bodies gave the scene a soft look. They were young, quick, and full of movement.
I watched them play, pause, and scurry around. They did not stay in one place for long. That made the moment feel lively, but it also made timing the photo important.
This was an early June morning, and the Wasatch Mountains made a strong backdrop for the encounter. The rugged terrain held plenty of wildlife surprises that day.
That same trip gave me more chances with this species. One related post is Uinta Ground Squirrel Standing Tall in the Wasatch Mountains.
Photographing Young Ground Squirrels From the Truck
Mia pulled the vehicle over as soon as she spotted the squirrels. I worked from the truck window and moved quickly.
I had my lens resting on a beanbag draped over the truck window. That support helped steady the camera while the squirrels moved around.
The 500 mm focal length let me stay back and still fill the frame. I used a fast shutter speed because these little squirrels were active.
I also switched to manual exposure and watched their eyes and body position. When they paused together, I made the frame.
Camera Settings:
- Date and Time: June 02, 2022, at 09:46 A.M.
- Camera: Canon EOS R 5
- Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
- Focal length: 500 mm
- Aperture: f/8
- Shutter speed: 1/3200 second
- ISO: 800
- Exposure compensation: +1/3
- Support: Beanbag draped over truck window
Some wildlife moments stand out because everything comes together. This was one of those mornings.
Mia spotted the squirrels and got me into position without rushing the scene. The squirrels gave me just enough time to make the photo.
I came away with more than one frame from that trip. I also came away with a deeper appreciation for the wildlife in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains.
These baby Uinta Ground Squirrels were small and easy to overlook. That made the encounter even better.