Past Photo Favorites - Rock Squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus) Rock Squirrels are a species of ground squirrel which is found throughout the greater Santa Fe area. They are skittish and are not always easy to spot as their fur offers good camouflage and they are adept at quickly hiding from view. Here’s More: “Rock squirrels are one of the largest members of the family Sciuridae, 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 may estivate. They are social, and live in colonies with several females and one dominant male that fights other mature males to protect the group. Subordinate males lurk at the outer boundaries of the group. Rock squirrels dig burrows with their sharp claws and muscular legs. The burrows provide shelter, safety, living space, and food storage. Burrow systems can be complex and lengthy, as they are enlarged over a period of years. Entrances are usually hidden beneath rocks and can be wider than 3 inches. In the northern reach of their habitat, rock squirrels hibernate during the colder months of the year. In southern areas, rock squirrels may not hibernate at all. They can withstand long periods of time without water, some even up to 100 days. When alarmed, they whistle a short, sharp, oscillating call.” - Wikipedia #RockSquirrel #GroundSquirrel #SouthwesternRodent #Rodent #BushyTail #Mammal #Wildlife #SouthwestWildlife #NewMexicoWildlife #Naturalist #岩リス #ジリス #Cute #かわいい #CuteRodent #かわいいげっ歯類 #齧歯類 (at Santa Fe, New Mexico) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoySeSiNPN7/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
