Alternate name: Mojave Ground Squirrel

Family: Sciuridae, Squirrels view all from this family

Description Pinkish gray above; belly white. No mottling or stripes. Short, thin tail cinnamon above, white below. Cheeks brownish. L 8 5/8–9" (219–230 mm); T 2 1/4–2 7/8" (57–73 mm); HF 1 1/4–1 1/2" (32–38 mm); Wt 3–4 5/8 oz (85–130 g).

Similar Species Round-tailed Ground Squirrel has longer, cinnamon or drab-colored tail. White-tailed Antelope Squirrel has 1 narrow white stripe on each side.

Breeding Mates in spring; 1 litter recorded consisted of 6 young.

Habitat Creosote bush scrub in sandy desert.

Range Mojave Desert of s California.

Discussion The mainly solitary Mohave Ground Squirrel estivates and hibernates from August to March, when food is scarce. (The White-tailed Antelope Squirrel, which occurs with it, remains active during this period.) This ground squirrel carries its tail over its back when running; the white underside helps reflect the sun’s rays. It is preyed upon by American Badgers, foxes, Coyotes, hawks, and eagles.