Harris' Antelope Ground Squirrel (Ammospermophilus harrisii)
Sabino Canyon
Saguaro NP East
Very much a creature of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts, this lowland squirrel is very common and easily-seen. It can be recognised by its unpatterned face and grey and white striped sides.
This is an endearing creature to watch as it browses desert vegatation for seeds, often dextrously manipulating flowerheads and filling its cheek pouches with what it has found.
This is an endearing creature to watch as it browses desert vegatation for seeds, often dextrously manipulating flowerheads and filling its cheek pouches with what it has found.
Rock Squirrel (Spermophilus variegatus)
Ramsey Canyon, Huachuca Mountains
Found across Arizona, this squirrel is stringly associated with rocky places such as canyons, scree slopes and even rocky suburban gardens.
The Rock Squirrel occupies such a typical habitat that identification is easy. In appearance it is grey and brown, with a white eye-ring and a long, very bushy tail. The similar Arizona Grey Squirrel (see below) but that species is usually in trees and is not mottled in colouration.
The Rock Squirrel occupies such a typical habitat that identification is easy. In appearance it is grey and brown, with a white eye-ring and a long, very bushy tail. The similar Arizona Grey Squirrel (see below) but that species is usually in trees and is not mottled in colouration.
Arizona Grey Squirrel (Sciurus arizonensis)
Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mountains
The western relative of the familiar Eastern Grey Squirrel is uncommon in Arizona, as it requires moist habitats with abundant nut supplies. Its main distribution in the state is across the centre of Arizon, into New Mexico, but other populations occur in canyons in the 'sky islands' of southern Arizona, as shown here.
Desert Cottontail (Sylvilagus audobonii)
Saguaro NP East
The most widespread of Arizona's four cottontail species, the Desert Cottontail can be seen in all areas apart from the Mogollon Rim.
The large ears with black rims and typical rabbit shape help to identify it.
The large ears with black rims and typical rabbit shape help to identify it.
White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus ssp.couesii)
female, Chiricahua Mountains
Less common than the Mule Deer in Arizona, the White-tailed is a smaller animal of the south-eastern quarter of the state. As its name suggests, it has a pure white tail, without the black tip found in the Mule Deer.
Western Harvest Mouse (Reithrodontomys megalotis)
Cave Creek, Chiricahua Mountains
I found this cute this mouse under a sheet of discarded tin while searching for snakes. Mice are hard to identify, but I've gone for this species, based on its very long tail and lack of any rufous colouration on its flanks. Feel free to get in touch if I've made a mistake!
