Round-tailed Ground Squirrels (Spermophilus tereticaudus)are a common sight during the spring and summer here in SaddleBrooke. These small, ground-dwelling squirrels are quite active during the day in the spring and remain active on all but the hottest of days. They spend their winters here in underground burrows in an energy-conserving, hibernation-like state. During the summer drought, these squirrels estivate (hibernation when animals sleep to get away from heat and lack of water and food sources) for a few weeks, until the summer rainy season again brings new plant growth for food.
Round-tailed Ground Squirrels are light brown above and whitish below and have large, dark eyes, small ears, and a distinctive, relatively long, slender, round tail. Like other squirrels in the genus Spermophilus, Their internal cheek pouches are used to hold and transport food to their underground burrows.
People are also reading…
These squirrels are omnivorous and feed on seeds, plants and an occasional insect. They will also climb desert trees to feed on leaves and flowers. Since they live in the arid, open desert where water is often scarce, they rely on green vegetation to provide themselves with needed water. Here in SaddleBrooke, they will often visit your water feature or swimming pool and sometimes become victims of drowning.
These cute little creatures are social and live in small colonies with multiple burrows. In the spring, babies are born, and by May they come to the surface to play, feed and learn about life. Members can often be seen standing on their hind legs for a better view or popping their heads out of their holes as they scan the vicinity for their many predators like snakes, coyotes, bobcats, owls and hawks. When danger is detected, they will warn the others of danger with a loud whistled call.
