# 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. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Desert ![Harris' Antelope Squirrel](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Ammospermophilus_harrisii_115091980.jpg&width=800) Photo: Jan Ebr, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ammospermophilus_harrisii_115091980.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Rodentia - **Family:** Sciuridae - **Genus:** Ammospermophilus ## 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 - **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. - **Water Whisperer:** Harris' Antelope Squirrel can get almost all the water it needs from its food, letting it thrive in dry desert environments. - **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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — A common aerial predator of this ground squirrel. - **Eaten by:** [Western Diamondback Rattlesnake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-diamondback-rattlesnake) (*Crotalus atrox*) — Hunts squirrels on the ground, ambushing from cover. - **Eaten by:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — A terrestrial predator that preys on squirrels. - **Eats:** [Honey Mesquite](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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 - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Speedster](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/speedster): This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## 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 to identify Harris' Antelope Squirrel? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### 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 ## Where to spot - [Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arizona-sonora-desert-museum) — Arizona, US · Zoo ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Harris' Antelope Squirrel: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/harris-antelope-squirrel)