Rock squirrel
A species of North american rock squirrels, Also known as Black rock squirrel Scientific name : Otospermophilus variegatus Genus : North american rock squirrels
Rock squirrel, A species of North american rock squirrels
Also known as:
Black rock squirrel
Scientific name: Otospermophilus variegatus
Genus: North american rock squirrels
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Greg Goebel , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The rock ore (Otospermophilus variegatus, Syn: Spermophilus variegatus) is a rodent from the family of the croissants (Sciuridae). He lives in North America in the southwest of the United States and in northern and central Mexico. Rock giant is the largest species of common ground squirrels in this range.
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
Rock squirrel primarily subsists on a diet of seeds, along with fruits, leaves, and insects. Although omnivorous, it prefers plant-based foods, displaying a predilection for pinon nuts and acorns - notable for their protein content.
Appearance
Rock squirrel is a small, robust rodent with a bushy tail. Its fur is primarily brownish-grizzled, but gets a multicolored hue from dark and white-tipped hairs. A dark, dorsal stripe runs from its head to midback. Lighter fur outlines the eyes and ears. Its underside is slightly lighter with large cheek pouches prominent. No significant differences exist due to age or subspecies.
Behavior
Rock squirrel is predominantly solitary, but may form small social groups under certain conditions. It demonstrates an agile burrowing behavior, creating complex tunnels for shelter and foraging. Behaviorally adaptable, its appetite varies according to seasonal availability. Marking territory with urine, it uses tactful confrontation to deter intruders without escalating to physical combat.
Population
Stable
Photo By Greg Goebel , used under CC-BY-SA-2.0 /Cropped and compressed from original