Antelope squirrel - online puzzles

Antelope squirrel

Antelope squirrels or antelope ground squirrels of the genus Ammospermophilus are sciurids found in the desert and dry scrub areas of south-western United States and northern Mexico. They are a type of ground squirrel and are able to resist hyperthermia and can survive body temperatures over 40 °C (104 °F).

There are currently five recognized species:

Harris's antelope squirrel (A. harrisii) found in Arizona and New Mexico in the US, and Sonora in Mexico.

Espíritu Santo antelope squirrel (A. insularis) found on Isla Espíritu Santo, Mexico. Some authorities treat it as a subspecies of A. leucurus.

Texas antelope squirrel (A. interpres) found in Texas and New Mexico in the US, and in Mexico.

White-tailed antelope squirrel (A. leucurus) found in the southwestern United States and Mexico's Baja California Peninsula.

San Joaquin antelope squirrel or Nelson's antelope squirrel (A. nelsoni) found in the San Joaquin Valley, California.All are somewhat similar in appearance and behavior. They are around 14–17 cm (5.5–6.7 in) in head-and-body length with a 6–10 cm (2.4–3.9 in) tail, and weigh 110–150 g (3.9–5.3 oz). The tail is somewhat flattened. They have a single white stripe on both flanks and none on the face. They live in burrows, which they dig for themselves. They are diurnal, and do not hibernate (though they become less active during the winter), so they are fairly easily seen.