California
Spermophilus tereticaudus  Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences | |
| Type of Animal: | Mammals |
|---|---|
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Rodentia |
| Family: | Sciuridae |
| Federal Status: | |
| State Status: | |
| Occurrence: | |
| Habitat: | Desert,Creosote Scrub |
| Description: | Round-tailed ground squirrels are active only in the mornings and evenings when the desert environment is coolest. During the summer months they spend the hottest part of the day below ground or under shady plants. They stay in their burrows during the winter months, from September to January. In areas with warm winters, this species may stay active throughout the entire year. Their burrows are dug in loose soils with entrances near the base of a shrub. During the winter there are usually multiple individuals per colony, but in the warmer months they tend to be solitary. They forage on the ground, in shrubs, and in trees. They prefer to eat green vegetation when its available, but when it isn't they may supplement their diet with seeds and various insects. The breeding season lasts from February to April. Females have one litter of one to twelve young per year. The average litter size is six, but the number varies according to the weather. Females have smaller litters in dry years and larger litters in wet years. The young are weaned at approximately five weeks of age. Common predators of round-tailed ground squirrels include coyotes, foxes, bobcats, badgers, hawks, and snakes. |
| Effort: | |
| References: | Jameson et al. 1988. California Mammals. Wilson et al. (editors). 1999. The Smithsonian Book of North American Mammals. Whitaker (editor). 1998. National Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Mammals, Revised Edition. Zeiner et al. (editors). 1990. California’s Wildlife, Volume III, Mammals. |
| Other Sites: | |
| Field Office(s): | Barstow; Palm Springs; Redding |