# 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. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 25 - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![Rock Squirrel](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Spermophilus_variegatus.jpg&width=800) Photo: Tadam at Polish Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Spermophilus_variegatus.jpg) ## 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. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Rodentia - **Family:** Sciuridae - **Genus:** Otospermophilus ## 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 - **Burrow Architect:** Rock Squirrel can dig complex burrows that provide safe shelter and escape routes from predators. - **Sunbathing Pro:** Rock Squirrel has a unique ability to flatten its body on warm rocks to efficiently regulate its temperature. - **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 - **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-diamondback-rattlesnake) (*Crotalus atrox*) — A common predator - **Eaten by:** [Golden Eagle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](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. - [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. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. - [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 Watch from a distance and don't try to touch or feed wild squirrels. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Rock 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 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 ## Where to spot - [Barrio De Analco Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/barrio-de-analco-historic-district) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Botanical Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chihuahuan-desert-nature-center-and-botanical-gardens) — Texas, US · Botanical Garden - [Chiricahua National Monument Historic Designed Landscape](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/chiricahua-national-monument-historic-designed-landscape) — Arizona, US · National Park - [Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/red-rock-canyon-national-conservation-area) — Nevada, US · Nature Reserve - [Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/arizona-sonora-desert-museum) — Arizona, US · Zoo - [Bertrand F. Harrison Arboretum](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bertrand-f-harrison-arboretum) — Utah, US · Botanical Garden [View all places to see Rock Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/rock-squirrel) ## 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: [Rock Squirrel: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/rock-squirrel)