Harris'
Antelope Squirrel
Ammospermophilus harrisii
Body length: 6 - 6 1/4"
Diet: Seeds, green vegetation, insects, and carrion
Of all the mammals in Tonto National Monument, the one most likely to be seen
on a visit is Harris' antelope squirrel. Like many squirrels, this species adapts
well to humans and is an active forager in the Visitor Center parking lot. Please
don't feed them - they are known to bite, and squirrels that learn to live off
humans are all the more likely to be run over by cars.
Watching antelope squirrels
forage in the wild is a treat. They are adept at climbing both barrel and cholla
cacti in search of seeds from the fruit. This squirrel is remarkably desert-adapted,
and can often be seen dashing about when the temperature exceeds 100° F. It
survives by keeping these trips short, and retreating to cool, moister burrows
underground. Because they do not hibernate, antelope squirrels can be seen all
winter long.
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Updated
May 8, 2005