Round-tailed Ground Squirrel (Xerospermophilus tereticaudus) is in the Squirrels family (Sciuridae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 3,617 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
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 Round-tailed Ground Squirrel: observations by month (U.S.)
About Round-tailed Ground Squirrel
The round-tailed ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus tereticaudus), known as "Ardillón cola redonda" in Spanish, live in the desert of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. They are called "ground squirrels" because they burrow in loose soil, often under mesquite trees and creosote bushes.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Round-tailed Ground Squirrel by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 3,240 | May | Feb–Aug |
| California | 267 | May | Feb–Jul |
| Nevada | 110 | April | Feb–Jul |
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 Round-tailed Ground Squirrel?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from February to August.
Where is Round-tailed Ground Squirrel most often seen?
The most observations come from Arizona, California, Nevada.