ExploreMammals

Spotted Ground Squirrel

Xerospermophilus spilosoma

The Spotted Ground Squirrel is a small, playful animal with a spotted coat. They love to dig and can often be seen running around in grassy areas, looking for food and playing with friends.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Spotted Ground Squirrel has a slender body with brownish-grey fur covered in distinct small white spots. It has a relatively short, thin tail compared to tree squirrels. Its light belly helps it blend into the sandy ground.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusXerospermophilus
Spotted Ground Squirrel
furry trait badgespotted trait badgesocial trait badgeburrowing trait badge
Spotted Ground Squirrel

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Some can go a whole year without drinking water, getting it all from their food!

These squirrels sometimes share their burrows with rattlesnakes, oddly enough!

They collect food in special cheek pouches that can stretch bigger than their head!

They seal their burrow entrances with dirt to nap safely inside!

Special abilities

Ability

Speedy Burrower

Spotted Ground Squirrels can dig burrows quickly that help them hide from predators and escape the desert heat.

Ability

Sentinel Stance

Spotted Ground Squirrels can stand tall on their hind legs to watch for danger, alerting others with chirps.

Ability

Heat Helper

Spotted Ground Squirrels can enter estivation, a deep sleep that helps them survive hot, dry times with little food.

Ability

Stealthy Spots

Spotted Ground Squirrels have a spotted coat that helps them blend perfectly into their rocky or sandy surroundings.

Measurements & details

Length
20-28 cm
Weight
0.1-0.25 kg
Lifespan
2-5 years
Top Speed
25 km/h
Litter Size
4-12
Gestation
25-30 days

Diet & Feeding

These tiny omnivores munch on seeds, plants, and bugs they find on the ground!

Primary Foods

  • Seeds
  • Grasses
  • Leaves
  • Cactus fruit
  • Insects

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

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 catch them, as they are wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Spotted Ground Squirrel?

20-28 cm

How much does Spotted Ground Squirrel weigh?

0.1-0.25 kg

How long does Spotted Ground Squirrel live?

2-5 years

How fast can Spotted Ground Squirrel move?

25 km/h

What does Spotted Ground Squirrel eat?

These tiny omnivores munch on seeds, plants, and bugs they find on the ground!

Where is Spotted Ground Squirrel usually found?

Grasslands

How does Spotted Ground Squirrel hunt?

Foraging

How many babies does Spotted Ground Squirrel usually have?

4-12

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