Appearance
Rock squirrels are one of the largest members of the family Sciuridae, with adults measuring up to 21 inches in length. In front and on top, the squirrel's coat is a speckled grayish brown; on the rear and bottom the gray becomes a more mottled brownish-black tone. They have a marked light-colored ring around their eyes and pointed ears that project well above their heads. Rock squirrels have a long bushy tail with white edges.
Food
The rock squirrel is predominantly a herbivore, eating mostly leaves, stems, and seeds. They also eat acorns, pine nuts, and fruits of native plants, including cacti. The rock squirrel forages for its food on a daily basis, by climbing trees and bushes and finding on the ground. These foraging trips are generally short-lived, usually only lasting approximately 12 minutes.Most foraging is done during the morning hours, to avoid the hotter parts of the day. They eat some of the food right away and bring a significant portion back to a lookout point, where they can safely consume the rest. Occasionally, they consume insects or the eggs of small nesting birds. The rock squirrel may eat their own kind, scavenging the remains of squirrels that are already dead. Its diet changes with the seasons, accustoming itself to what is available locally.
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