Description
Two genera of ground squirrels are found in Arizona - Ammospermophilus and Spermophilus.

Rock squirrels

There are two species of Ammospermophilus, commonly referred to as antelope ground squirrels, in Arizona. The antelope name probably comes from the fact that when running, they hold their tails up and often arched over their backs exposing a white or buff colored undersurface which resembles that of a pronghorn "antelope" running. Antelope ground squirrels can be distinguished from other squirrel-like rodents by their well developed white stripe extending from shoulder to hip on each side.

There are five species of Spermophilus found in Arizona in nearly all kinds of habitats. Two species are more commonly associated with human habitation. These are the rock squirrel (S. Variegatus) and the round-tailed ground squirrel (S. tereticaudus).

The rock squirrel is the largest of the ground squirrels and is often confused with a tree squirrel. Rock squirrels have a long bushy tail, grayish or brownish or reddish in color and mottled with light gray or whitish specks or spots.

The round-tailed ground squirrel is a small to medium, uniformly colored light buff to darker squirrel with small ears, a tail covered with short hairs giving it a rounded appearance. This ground squirrel resembles a miniature prairie dog.

The five species of chipmunks in Arizona all belong to the genus Eutamias are similar in appearance. The chipmunk is a small, brownish, ground-dwelling squirrel more closely related to ground squirrels than to tree squirrels. Chipmunks are generally smaller than the ground squirrels, have a bushy tail, and longitudinal dark stripes on their backs.

Distribution in Arizona
In general, the white-tailed antelope ground squirrels are found north of the Mogollon Plateau and the Harris' antelope ground squirrels are found south of the Mogollon Plateau.

Species of Spermophilus occur in Arizona in nearly all kinds of habitats except in densely wooded areas. The rock squirrel is associated with rocky habitats and is absent from the southwestern desert areas of the state. The round-tailed ground squirrel is generally found in the deserts of western and southern deserts
Chipmunks are found throughout the state, most often associated with coniferous forests. The cliff chipmunk is also found in scrub oak and manzanita habitat and the Colorado chipmunk is associated with pinon-juniper areas. The Least chipmunk is generally found at higher elevations, in sagebrush areas away from conifers.

Least Chipmunk	Antelope ground squirrel

Legal Status in Arizona
All of Arizona's ground squirrel and chipmunk species are classified as non-game animals by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and are protected under ARS Title 17-309. However, may be controlled by any legal means if they are causing damage as per ARS Title 17-239.

If live trapped ground squirrels or chipmunks are to be relocated, the Arizona Game and Fish Department must be contacted for an appropriate release site before the animal is transported.

Life History and Behavior
Both ground squirrels and chipmunks are active during the day and are easily seen when foraging. But they spend much of their time in their burrows. In winter, most ground squirrels and chipmunks go underground and stay inactive. In the hotter desert areas, ground squirrels may go into a period of estivation (summer hibernation) when temperatures are high.

Most Arizona ground squirrels and chipmunks will have just one litter per year born from February through mid-September depending on species. In southern Arizona most ground squirrel litters may be born as early as March and in colder areas young may be born through May.

Both ground squirrels and chipmunks nest in underground burrows. These burrow entrances are always open and are not plugged with soil as are pocket gopher burrows entrances. Burrow systems may be extensive and have several entrance/escape holes. Rock squirrel burrows are generally found around rocky areas and in residential areas they are often dug under cement slabs and pool decks. Antelope ground squirrels tend to locate burrow systems and entrances under vegetative cover whereas round-tailed ground squirrels seem to prefer more open areas. Round-tailed ground squirrels are often associated with creosote bush, desert areas where they climb up the creosote to feed on the fruit.

These animals all have internal cheek pouches to transport food and some store food in underground caches. They all are rapid runners and always retreat to their burrows when frightened. Although they are generally considered ground dwellers, most ground squirrels and chipmunks will climb cacti, small bushes and trees in search of food.

Round-tailed ground squirrel	Rock squirrel

Food Habits
Ground squirrels are primarily vegetarians, feeding on green vegetation, seeds, and fruit. Rock squirrels will also feed on carrion and kill small rodents and birds. Chipmunks eat both plant and animal material, from seeds, nuts, insects and worms to small birds and frogs.

In general, these animals will feed on green vegetation during the summer and switch to grains and seeds late in the season and early in the spring when green vegetation is not available.

Damage and Identification
A number of species of squirrels and chipmunks occasionally become pests in and around buildings. When ground squirrels or chipmunks are present in large numbers they can cause structural damage by burrowing under patios, stairs, retention walls, or foundations. They may also invade garages, walls and attics. They will also consume flower bulbs, seeds, or seedlings as well as bird seed, grass seed, and pet food that is not stored in rodent-proof storage containers.

The identification of ground squirrel or chipmunk damage is most often made by direct observation and the presence of burrow entrances.

Ground squirrels and chipmunks are sometimes implicated in the transmission of plague to humans, especially when rodent populations are dense.