souslik

Everyday

1. A souslik is a small ground squirrel that lives in burrows on the grassy plains (steppes) of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, including Ukraine. tree →
2. It is also spelled «suslik»; the word comes from Russian. tree →

In the lessons

In nature lessons about grasslands, the souslik shows how small animals survive by digging burrows, standing up on their back legs to look out for hawks and foxes, and sleeping through the cold winter (hibernating). In stories set on the steppe, a souslik popping up from its hole is a typical scene.

Examples

• A souslik stood up on its back legs and whistled a warning. tree →
• Sousliks dig long tunnels under the grass. tree →
• In winter the souslik hibernates deep underground. tree →
• Eagles hunt sousliks on the open steppe. tree →
• The souslik stuffed seeds into its cheek pouches. tree →
• We saw a photo of a souslik in our book about Ukraine's wildlife. tree →

Note

Countable noun: one souslik, two sousliks. Also spelled «suslik». It is a kind of ground squirrel, related to prairie dogs and chipmunks, not a rat or a mouse. A rare word in English; most English speakers say «ground squirrel».