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Harris' Antelope Squirrel

Ammospermophilus harrisii

Harris' Antelope Squirrel is a small, lively squirrel found in the deserts of the southwestern United States. They have a fluffy tail and love to dig and play in the sand.

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Harris' Antelope Squirrel has a grayish-brown back with a single white stripe running along each side of its body, and a pure white belly. Its relatively short tail is often held curled over its back, distinguishing it from other striped ground squirrels.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusAmmospermophilus
Harris' Antelope Squirrel
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Harris' Antelope Squirrel

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Despite their name, 'antelope' squirrels don't eat antelopes; it refers to their antelope-like running!

Harris' Antelope Squirrels use special cheek pouches to carry armfuls of seeds back to their homes!

These desert dwellers often hold their fluffy tails over their backs like tiny parasols for shade!

They can dig amazing burrows with multiple exits, perfect for escaping hungry predators quickly!

Special abilities

Ability

Extreme Heat Dump

Harris' Antelope Squirrel can quickly cool down its body by pressing its belly to a cool rock, helping it survive desert heat.

Ability

Water Whisperer

Harris' Antelope Squirrel can get almost all the water it needs from its food, letting it thrive in dry desert environments.

Ability

Tail Signal

Harris' Antelope Squirrel can twitch its tail rapidly as a signal to predators, letting them know it has been spotted.

Measurements & details

Length
14-17 cm
Weight
0.1-0.15 kg
Lifespan
2-5 years
Top Speed
25 km/h
Litter Size
6-12
Gestation
30-31 days

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore, it eats seeds, fruits, insects, and green plants found in its desert home.

Primary Foods

  • Seeds
  • Cactus Fruit
  • Grasses
  • Insects
  • Leaves

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Red-tailed Hawk

Buteo jamaicensis

A common aerial predator of this ground squirrel.

eaten by

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Crotalus atrox

Hunts squirrels on the ground, ambushing from cover.

eaten by

Coyote

Canis latrans

A terrestrial predator that preys on squirrels.

eats

Honey Mesquite

Prosopis glandulosa

Consumes the seeds and pods of this desert tree.

eats

Engelmann's Prickly Pear

Opuntia engelmannii

Feeds on the fruits and seeds of this common cactus.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Don't try to catch or touch wild squirrels; they are best enjoyed from a distance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Harris' Antelope Squirrel?

14-17 cm

How much does Harris' Antelope Squirrel weigh?

0.1-0.15 kg

How long does Harris' Antelope Squirrel live?

2-5 years

How fast can Harris' Antelope Squirrel move?

25 km/h

What does Harris' Antelope Squirrel eat?

An omnivore, it eats seeds, fruits, insects, and green plants found in its desert home.

Where is Harris' Antelope Squirrel usually found?

Desert

How does Harris' Antelope Squirrel hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Harris' Antelope Squirrel usually have?

6-12

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