Rock Squirrel
Otospermophilus variegatus
Identification 3
The fur of Otospermophilus variegatus is mottled dorsally, gray/brown front, and gray/black rump. There are wavy brown/black markings dorsally. The underbelly is buff white to pink/tan. The color of the head is light cinnamon to dark brown. The coloration can vary greatly among populations. They have large heads and eyes, the ears extend over the the head and are wider than they are tall. The eyes have light colored rings. The tail is long (172-252 mm) and bushy. O. variegatus is the largest member of Sciuridae family. Adult length is 430-540 mm, weight is seasonal (lighter during reproductive periods, heavier just before hibernation) and ranges 600-800 grams.
Rock squirrel tracks show little/no fur, nails are long and prominent; toes 2 and 5 point toward the sides, toes 3 and 4 point forwards. Front tracks are 2.5-4.6 cm long and 2.2-3.5 cm wide. Rear tracks 2.9-4.1 cm long, 2.2-3.8 cm wide; nails are shorter and less prominent than front tracks. The heel may not register. (Picture 3.) Like most rodents, the scat will vary depending on moisture content in their diet. High moisture leaves scat twisted with tapered ends, or in pellets (picture 4.)
O. variegatus is best distinguished from other ground squirrels by its larger size and long bushy tail.
Summary 4
The rock squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus) is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae. It is found in Mexico and the United States. It is 43–53 cm (17–21 in) long. Rock squirrels are found in Iron County, Utah.
Sources and Credits
- (c) Anders Illum, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-ND), http://www.flickr.com/photos/27631936@N05/3731133428
- (c) Chanel Tom, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Chanel Tom
- (c) Chanel Tom, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
- Adapted by Chanel Tom from a work by (c) Wikipedia, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otospermophilus_variegatus
