Rock Squirrel
Otospermophilus variegatus
Silhouette: Joseph Smit · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassMammalia (Mammals)
- OrderRodentia (Rodents)
- FamilySciuridae (Squirrels)
- GenusOtospermophilus (North American Rock Squirrels)
- SpeciesOtospermophilus variegatus (Rock Squirrel)
About the Rock Squirrel
The rock squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus) is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is native to Mexico and the Southwestern United States, including southern Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and the panhandle of Oklahoma.
In Texas, they can be found in the western, central and Panhandle regions. They are especially common in the Texas Hill Country, a Subregion in central Texas. Rock squirrels are one of the largest members of the family Scuridae, with adults measuring up to 21 inches (53 cm) in length. In front and on top, the squirrel's coat is a speckled grayish brown; on the rear and bottom, the gray becomes a more mottled brownish-black tone. They have a marked light-colored ring around their eyes and pointed ears that project well above their heads. Rock squirrels have a long, bushy tail with white edges.
The female rock squirrel has two litters a year, with three to nine young in each litter. The first litter is typically born from April to June, while the second is born in August or September. They are active in the early morning and late afternoons when the weather is warm; when very hot, they... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Rock Squirrel in Grand Canyon National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Grand Canyon National Park
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American Red Squirrel
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Deer Mouse
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Bushy-tailed Wood Rat
Neotoma cinerea
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Saguaro National Park | 🇺🇸 United States | |
| 2 | Reserva de la Biosfera Mariposa Monarca | 🇲🇽 Mexico |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Rock Squirrel in Grand Canyon National Park?
About 90% of wildlife watchers report a Rock Squirrel sighting in Grand Canyon National Park, based on 1,308 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Rock Squirrel in Grand Canyon National Park?
July has the highest sighting rate for Rock Squirrel in Grand Canyon National Park in our monthly data.