The genus Spermophilus is the largest genus of ground squirrels and the one that contains the species that are most common and familiar in North America. Members of the genus are found from western Europe to Siberia and Alaska to northern Mexico. The Eurasian species are sometimes called susliks (or sousliks). Ground squirrels may sometimes carry fleas that transmit diseases to humans (see Black Plague), and have been destructive in tunneling underneath human habitation. Though capable of clim… (More on Spermophilus)