#ROCK SQUIRREL PROFESSIONAL#

The round-tails are primarily herbivores, feeding on grass seed, cactus, and other nearby vegetation such as spring flowers, but they will eat carrion. It is usually grey to beige with a long, black-tipped tail. The round-tailed ground squirrel ( Spermophilus tereticaudus) resembles a miniature prairie dog, and like them, is a very social animal that lives in small colonies. The rock squirrel may become dormant, holed up in its burrow during cold times, but it is not known to hibernate. Sometimes a second litter appears in August or September. They mate in early spring and produce a litter in March. Rock squirrels dig burrows and may be colonial or solitary.

The squirrel can pump extra blood into its tail to make the tail warmer than its body, thereby fooling the snake into striking at the tail rather than the body. There is some research that suggests that rock squirrels take advantage of this. Rattlesnakes have heat-sensing organs which can detect a difference in temperature as little as 0.01 F at one foot. Apparently, adult rock squirrels can at least partially neutralize rattlesnake venom. Researchers in California note that rock squirrels can distinguish between venomous and non-venomous snakes, and change their mobbing behavior accordingly. It also tries to flick sand or dirt in the snake’s face with its front paws. Upon encountering a snake, a rock squirrel will stamp its feet and wave its tail from side to side while facing the snake.

#ROCK SQUIRREL PROFESSIONAL#

Professional museum staff had to rescue the snake, only because it posed a hazard to visitors. A rattlesnake was being attacked by two ground squirrels. One day last year, as I was interpreting the Saguaro kit at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, a small drama was taking place just below the Vista Ramada. I have seen them kill and eat snakes, even rattlesnakes.

They are true omnivores feeding on seeds, mesquite beans, insects, eggs, birds, carrion, as well as cactus fruit.

Rock squirrels are found in many habitats, except for the driest part of the desert. This squirrel is grey with reddish to brownish tinge, usually on its back. The rock squirrel ( Spermophilus variegatus) is the largest of the three, up to 1.5 pounds.