Rock Squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus) is in the Squirrels family (Sciuridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 18,148 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Seasonal pattern in the national data: seasonal. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.
When to photograph Rock Squirrel: observations by month (U.S.)
About Rock Squirrel
The rock squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus) is a species of rodent in the family Sciuridae and is native to Mexico and the southwestern United States.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Rock Squirrel by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 8,145 | April | Mar–Oct |
| Texas | 3,419 | April | Feb–Nov |
| Utah | 3,281 | May | Mar–Sep |
| New Mexico | 2,259 | April | Mar–Oct |
| Colorado | 804 | July | Apr–Sep |
| Nevada | 193 | June | Apr–Aug |
| California | 27 | May | Feb–Jun |
| Oklahoma | 15 | July | Jul–Jul |
| Idaho | 5 | July | Jun–Sep |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related mammals (Squirrels)
Eastern Gray Squirrel
Eastern Fox Squirrel
Eastern Chipmunk
California Ground Squirrel
Groundhog
American Red Squirrel
Common Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel
Western Gray Squirrel
Photography tips
- Keep a legal and safe distance: 100 yards from bears and wolves and 25 yards from other large animals in national parks.
- Dawn and dusk are peak activity times for most mammals.
- Use your car as a blind on wildlife drives.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Rock Squirrel?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from March to October.
Where is Rock Squirrel most often seen?
The most observations come from Arizona, Texas, Utah.