The Rock Squirrel is a large, mottled ground squirrel of rocky desert canyons and cliff faces in the American Southwest. It is the largest ground squirrel in the United States and is closely associated with rocky substrates, climbing boulders and cliff faces with surprising agility. Rock squirrels can carry rabies and have bitten visitors at national parks who attempt to feed them—it is among the wildlife most involved in human bite incidents in the Southwest.
Habitat
Rocky desert canyons, cliff faces, and boulder fields
Diet
Cactus fruits, juniper berries, seeds, and insects
How common
Common
Recent Rock Squirrel sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Rock Squirrel? Identify it instantly.
Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.
Get Huck — free