The complete name of this species is “White Tailed Antelope Ground Squirrel” (Ammospermophilus leucrus). I took this photo early today; the squirrel was going up the little hill on the west side of the property.
Several of the squirrels that hang around the yard have learned to approach us so they can get a reward — an almond (I carry several raw almonds in a pocket when outdoors). The squirrels will grab the nut and run off to their lair with it.
More squirrel stuff from NPS:
White tailed antelope ground squirrels Ammospermophilus leucrus are small in size and are sometimes confused with chipmunks. They are approximately 7.5 inches long from head to the tip of the tail and they weigh on average about 3.7 ounces. They also carry their food in pouches in the cheek. The female of this species has ten mammae, which is more than other antelope ground squirrel species, which have four to seven. Their range is the Great Basin to Baja California including parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Utah and Oregon.
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