| Where
in the world?
- Most wide spread of ground squirrels
- Deserts
and foothills
- Surrounding vegetation consists of Sage, Greasewood,
Shad Scale, and Creosote bush
- Range from South East Oregon, South
West Idaho, Southern California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Colorado,
and New Mexico
What are some behaviors?
Squirrels are highly social and may verbally communicate with each
other using a variety of cries and grunts. Unlike other ground
squirrels, they are active throughout the year. They are
most active midmorning and late afternoon. In the winter
they are most active mid-day and are often found basking in the
sun. However, in the more northern parts of its range some
are found hibernating during the colder seasons. To help
keep warm and conserve heat, several will huddle together in a
burrow. The White-tailed Antelope Squirrel is usually found
foraging on the ground, in abandoned burrows of other animals,
or rock crevices. Some of their burrows can reach depths
of 18 inches, with the entrance typically hidden under shrubs,
filled with food caches and a nest in the center. During
foraging, squirrels may slightly overheat and return to the cooler
temperatures of their burrows to cool off. The antelope squirrel
does not cool by evaporation and hence are not water-stressed by
this behavior. They are well adapted to tolerate high temperatures,
including an increased body temperature that may reach 110 degrees
Fahrenheit. However, they are not as well as adapted for
low temperatures.
|
|
What about offspring?
The white-tailed antelope squirrel’s breeding season occurs
between late winter and early spring. Gestation lasts about
26 days and the young are born between March and April. Birth
is given in a deep burrow for protection from enemies. On average,
there are 6 to 8 young born per litter (1 to 2 litters a year)
the young are first seen above ground approximately 30 days later. Life
span in the wild is usually less than 1 year; however, some have
been known to live up to 4 years.
What does it eat?
- Green vegetation makes up 15 to 60% of their diet, some of
their favorites include foliage from Evening Primrose and Storksbill
plants
- Seeds make up 50% of their diet
- Insects, particularly grasshoppers are a prized favorite
- Overall,
they are opportunistic feeders, meaning they make use of what’s
available in their environment
Is it threatened
or endangered?
No, not at the present. However, with continuing human encroachment
and development, the White-tailed Antelope Squirrel’s future
is uncertain.
|
