Rock Squirrel Sentinels
There, up in the crown of a scrub oak, a rock squirrel perches, watching you. Being a rock squirrel is dangerous and keeping an eye on any potential predator - mammal, bird, or reptile - is important. If the predator is a snake they approach cautiously, waving their tails from side to side, and may throw dirt or substrate. Squirrels living in areas with many snakes learn to distinguish venomous snakes from nonvenomous ones.
Rock squirrels are grayish brown with white speckles, a white ring around their eyes, and a bushy tail. They are technically ground squirrels but look more like typical tree squirrels, albeit chunky ones. Their large cheek pouches can hold at least 60 acorns at a time. They mostly dine on plants and invertebrates, with their diet changing based on what is seasonally available. Rock squirrels get almost all the water they need from their food. If the temperature gets too extreme for them, they will hibernate (in the winter) or estivate (in the summer).
This species is highly social but generally only at certain times of year. During the breeding season, multiple females may group up under the protection of a single male, like a pride of lions. Females defend the burrow while the male defends the surrounding area. Throughout the rest of the year they may live alone (apart from interactions with neighbors) or some females may choose to continue living together.
As with most animals, body language and touch play a large role in the social life of a rock squirrel. Mothers and youngsters use nose-touching to recognize and greet each other. Males will fight for females by boxing and wrestling, often inflicting wounds to their opponent’s head and sides. Baby rock squirrels play-wrestle, chase each other, and take part in other games. Rock squirrels also use a variety of vocalizations such as growls and chatters, as well as high-pitched alarm calls to warn everyone when a predator is in the area.
Rock squirrels are beautiful, energetic, and wonderful to watch. Please note that it is best to observe rock squirrels from a distance. Do not feed or attempt to handle them and please keep your dogs from chasing all wildlife.
By Maria Goller
