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White-tailed Antelope Squirrel

Ammospermophilus leucurus

The White-tailed Antelope Squirrel is a small, lively creature with a fluffy white tail. They love to scurry around in the desert, finding food and playing with friends.

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The White-tailed Antelope Squirrel has a grayish-brown back with a distinctive white stripe along each side of its body, and a white belly. Its bushy tail is pure white underneath and is often held curled over its back.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderRodentiaFamilySciuridaeGenusAmmospermophilus
White-tailed Antelope Squirrel
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White-tailed Antelope Squirrel

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

6

Interesting facts

These tough little squirrels can safely eat scorpions, even their venomous stingers!

They flash their bright white tail as a signal to warn other squirrels of danger!

They hold their white tail like a tiny umbrella over their back when running!

This desert squirrel is active all year, never hibernating like many other squirrels!

Special abilities

Ability

Heat Radiator Tail

White-tailed Antelope Squirrel can quickly release body heat by shunting blood to its large white tail, which acts like a radiator.

Ability

Desert Heat Master

White-tailed Antelope Squirrel can withstand high body temperatures up to 43°C (109°F), enduring extreme desert heat without overheating.

Ability

Blurry Stripes

White-tailed Antelope Squirrel has a distinct white stripe that blurs when running, confusing predators about its exact location.

Measurements & details

Length
20-25 cm
Weight
0.08-0.14 kg
Lifespan
2-5 years
Top Speed
20 km/h
Litter Size
5-12
Gestation
30-31 days

Diet & Feeding

An omnivore with a varied diet, munching on seeds, fruits, insects, and even tough desert critters.

Primary Foods

  • Seeds
  • Cactus fruit
  • Insects
  • Scorpions
  • Green plants

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 to identify White-tailed Antelope Squirrel?

The easiest way to identify White-tailed Antelope Squirrel is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is White-tailed Antelope Squirrel?

20-25 cm

How much does White-tailed Antelope Squirrel weigh?

0.08-0.14 kg

How long does White-tailed Antelope Squirrel live?

2-5 years

How fast can White-tailed Antelope Squirrel move?

20 km/h

What does White-tailed Antelope Squirrel eat?

An omnivore with a varied diet, munching on seeds, fruits, insects, and even tough desert critters.

Where is White-tailed Antelope Squirrel usually found?

Desert

How does White-tailed Antelope Squirrel hunt?

Foraging

Snap Map

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Recent Snaps

Where to spot

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