Family: Sciuridae, Squirrels view all from this family
Description Upperparts pinkish buff in summer, gray in winter; underparts white. Single white stripe on each side. Tail grayish above, mixed black and white below. Ears small. L 8 5/8–9 7/8" (220–250 mm); T 2 7/8–3 3/4" (74–94 mm); HF 1 1/2–1 5/8" (38–42 mm); Wt 4–5 1/4 oz (113–150 g).
Similar Species In other antelope squirrels, underside of tail is all white.
Breeding Mates December–February; apparently produces 1 litter per year. 4–9 young born January–March after 30-day gestation. At birth, young weigh about 1/8 oz (3.6 g).
Habitat Variety of desert habitats, especially low deserts with little vegetation.
Range Western and s Arizona and extreme sw New Mexico.
Discussion The pale coloration of Harris’s Antelope Squirrel helps it blend in with its arid environment. Individuals of this solitary species are found scattered about and are sometimes seen up in cactus plants, although it is not known how they avoid the spines. Active at any time of day, even the hottest, this omnivorous animal feeds heavily on the fruit and seeds of cactus and yucca, but eats many other plants and insects as well. It metabolizes its water from food. Harris’s Antelope Squirrel can carry considerable amounts of food in its cheek pouches; one animal was found carrying a cache of 44 mesquite beans. It shells the beans before storing them in the burrow, which is usually under a desert shrub, especially mesquite (Prosopis), creosote bush (Larrea), or paloverde (Cercidium). When disturbed, Harris’s Antelope Squirrel runs with its tail straight up in the air, often chippering as it runs. Before making its final escape, it often stops, calls, and stomps its feet.
