In The Desert

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Animals

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Animals

Rodent

Kangaroo Rat

(Dipodomys deserti)

The Kangaroo Rat is probably the most miss-understood animal in the desert. They don't drink water; they only eat seeds, this is where their moisture comes from. They are chased and hunted continually. They are the favorite food of the Kit Foxes, Coyotes, snakes, and Owls. They are on the hit list. And look at him, the cutest thing in the desert. Also the cleanest animal as far as wildlife goes. No ticks, fleas, or other parasites, according to a study done by the Game & Fish in Arizona.

I don't recommend you do this. Linda has this special gift with animals. She had to move this one out of the road. Their fur is the softest, smoothest, silkiest feeling fur of any animal. During wet years their population explodes and during dry years it dwindles till only a small
portion of their original population remains. They are curious and seem to love to play with each other. With those big kangaroo type back legs they can jump incredible distances.
As with any wild animal -- it's not advisable to handle them or get to close --- any wild animal with teeth can bite you if they feel threatened.

Rock Squirrel

(Spermophilus variegatus)

Rock squirrels can be found in Southern Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico, and Western Texas. These guys get around and it's no wonder we've found them in the Valley of Fire, Nev., Grand Canyon, and Harquahala Mountain, Arizona in the desert. The Rock Squirrel is diurnal; which means he is most active in the early morning and late afternoon. The one pictured here is on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

This is one we found on an off road trip up to the top of Harquahala Mountain -- See Day Trips. They live in colonies. They eat pine nuts, walnuts, mesquite tree seeds, cactus, and agave. They also eat insects, grasshoppers and crickets. Even though it is a ground squirrel it is also a good tree climber. You always think of squirrels being native to large forested areas and not living in the desert.

Round Tailed Ground Squirrel

(Spermophilus tereticaudus)

The Round Tailed Ground Squirrel is often mistaken for a Gopher or a Prairie Dog. They have a long rounded tail that distinguishes them for either of the above. They are called ground squirrels because they burrow in loose soil often under mesquite trees and creosote bushes. They have a semi-colonial social structure. They will chase away other ground squirrels that get to close to their burrow. These guys are really cute. They go into torpor; which is a temporary hibernation.

Harris Ground Squirrel

(Ammospermophilus harrisii)

The Harris Ground Squirrel or Yuma Antelope Squirrel is found in Southwestern Arizona and Northwestern Mexico. They live in low arid desert with sparse vegetation. This photo shows the body strip more clearly.

This one was photographed near Wellton, Arizona. The one above was photographed near the Valley of Fire, Nevada at the Northern most part of their range.

This Muskrat was photographed in the All American Canal near Yuma, Arizona. A medium - sized semi-aquatic rodent native to North America. They cause extensive damage to canal walls and dams. They are not however so-called "true rats". Muskrats can swim under water for up to 15 minutes. Their hind feet are semi-webbed, although when swimming they use their tail for propulsion.

(Ondatra zibethicus)

Muskrat

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