Texas antelope squirrel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Texas antelope squirrel |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Ammospermophilus
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| Species: |
interpres
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The Texas antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus interpres) is a small, quick rodent that belongs to the squirrel family. You can find these busy creatures in parts of Mexico and in the states of Texas and New Mexico in the United States.
Meet the Texas Antelope Squirrel
Adult Texas antelope squirrels are about 220–235 millimetres (8.7–9.3 in) long, which is roughly the length of a standard pencil. They weigh around 99–112 grams (0.218–0.247 lb), which is about as much as a small apple.
These squirrels have a special look! They have a clear white stripe running along each side of their body. This stripe has black lines above and below it, making it stand out. Their fur is mostly grey with black or brown spots. The underside of their tail is also white.
Unlike some other squirrels, the Texas antelope squirrel stays active all year round. It does not hibernate (sleep through the winter). Scientists believe these squirrels have been around for millions of years.
Life Cycle and Diet
The breeding season for Texas antelope squirrels starts in February. A mother squirrel can have one or two groups of babies each year. Each group, called a litter, can have between five and fourteen young squirrels.
Baby squirrels stay in their nest until they are about a quarter of their adult size. This is also when they start eating solid food. Their diet includes many things like insects, seeds, and berries. They also enjoy eating the fruit and seeds from different types of cactus. One squirrel found a long time ago had eaten so much cactus fruit that its body was tinted purple!
Where Do They Live?
Texas antelope squirrels make their homes in burrows (underground tunnels) or in cracks among rocks. They usually choose spots close to bushes or shrubs for shelter.
In the United States, you can find them in western Texas and in parts of south-central New Mexico. They also live in northern Mexico, including the Chihuahuan Desert. Because they live in such a wide area, they are listed as "least concern" by the IUCN Red List. This means they are not currently in danger of disappearing.
While they might be found in specific areas in the U.S., they are very common throughout their range in Mexico. Sometimes, they can be accidentally caught or harmed by human activities in the United States.
See also
In Spanish: Ammospermophilus interpres para niños
