Rock Squirrel
ExploreMammals
Rock Squirrel
Otospermophilus variegatus
Rock squirrels are playful animals that love to dig and explore! They have fluffy tails and can be found in rocky areas where they make their homes.
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Rock Squirrel has grayish-brown fur mottled with lighter specks, giving it a salt-and-pepper look. It possesses a notably long, bushy tail, often tipped with white. Its larger size helps distinguish it from other ground squirrels.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusOtospermophilus
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
A group of squirrels is sometimes called a 'scurry' or a 'dray'—how fun!
Rock squirrels sometimes line their burrows with soft grass and fur for extra comfort!
These clever squirrels can store food in pouches inside their cheeks for later snacks!
They are excellent climbers and can often be seen scampering up trees as well as rocks!
Special abilities
Ability
Burrow Architect
Rock Squirrel can dig complex burrows that provide safe shelter and escape routes from predators.
Ability
Sunbathing Pro
Rock Squirrel has a unique ability to flatten its body on warm rocks to efficiently regulate its temperature.
Ability
Venom Tolerance
Rock Squirrel can tolerate rattlesnake venom, which helps them survive bites during encounters.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 43-53 cm
- Weight
- 0.5-0.8 kg
- Lifespan
- 2-5 years
- Top Speed
- 20 km/h
- Litter Size
- 4-8
- Gestation
- 30-32 days
Diet & Feeding
These omnivores munch on seeds, fruits, insects, and even small reptiles they find!
Primary Foods
- seeds
- fruits
- nuts
- insects
- cacti
- fungi
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Crotalus atrox
A common predator
eaten by
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
An aerial predator
eats
Engelmann's Prickly Pear
Opuntia engelmannii
Consumes fruits and pads
eats
Pinyon Pine
Pinus edulis
Feeds on seeds and nuts
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Burrowing
Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Watch from a distance and don't try to touch or feed wild squirrels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Rock Squirrel?
43-53 cm
How much does Rock Squirrel weigh?
0.5-0.8 kg
How long does Rock Squirrel live?
2-5 years
How fast can Rock Squirrel move?
20 km/h
What does Rock Squirrel eat?
These omnivores munch on seeds, fruits, insects, and even small reptiles they find!
Where is Rock Squirrel usually found?
Mountain regions
How does Rock Squirrel hunt?
Foraging
How many babies does Rock Squirrel usually have?
4-8
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
