A top-tier desert specialist. If you're hiking in the Southwest, keep an eye out for a "white flash" tail—that's your 5-star desert sprinter.
As expert foragers, they play a vital role in desert ecosystems by dispersing seeds. They are also a primary "snack" for predators like hawks and snakes, keeping the food chain in balance. Expert Observations
“The upper parts are dull yellowish-brown or buffy-clay color, as are the outer surfaces of the legs. There is a pale stripe on each side reaching from behind the shoulder to the rump.” - Clark Science Center · 35 years ago
Is That a Chipmunk or a Ground Squirrel? - Guest Blog - Think Wild
“Chipmunks have short fur and small, rounded ears. An obvious distinction is that a chipmunk has stripes from head to tail, while [these squirrels] have body stripes... but no head stripes.”
If you’re looking for a review of the ( Ammospermophilus ), think of it as the high-performance, "off-road" version of your standard backyard chipmunk. Though they look like chipmunks, they are technically ground squirrels . 5/5 stars in the animal kingdom. The Antelope Chipmunk "Review"
Think Wild - Wildlife Hospital and Conservation Center · 2 years ago