Those of S. lateralis are short and simple, averaging about 1.2 meters in length. The golden-mantled ground squirrels dig short, simple burrows, usually under brush or a stump or near a rock, about 25 cm deep and 35 cm long. They spend much time resting in the sunshine on logs and rocks. Otospermophilus may live under logs or rocks or in crevices in cliffs. Like all ground squirrels, they are primarily terrestrial, but they are excellent climbers in bushes and on rocks.
All ground squirrels are diurnal.
In the southern parts of their range, ground squirrels may be active nearly throughout the year, though they will remain in their burrows during inclement weather as green food disappears. Species in areas with a severe climate undergo extensive hibernation and live off of accumulated fat reserves while sleeping in their burrows. Ground squirrels may store food in their burrows, but they seem not to utilize it until awakening in April. The diet consists of seeds, nuts, grains, roots, bulbs, mushrooms, green vegetation, insects and other small invertebrates, and occasionally small vertebrates and birds' eggs. Some species, such as S. parryii, S. columbianus, and S. richardsonii, are found in extensive colonies, but these aggregations generally reflect conducive habitat and do not represent single social units.