The Mohave ground squirrel (Xerospermophilus mohavensis) is a species of ground squirrel that is found only in Los Angeles, Kern, Inyo, and San Bernardino Counties, in the western Mojave Desert. Its range is from near Palmdale on the southwest, to Lucerne Valley on the southeast, Olancha on the northwest, and the Avawatz Mountains on the northeast. The species was discovered in 1886.

The species is listed as “threatened” under the California Endangered Species Act but is not listed under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Mohave ground squirrels are quite a bit smaller than the squirrels that we typically see in the Santa Clarita area – only about 1 ¼ inches to 1 ½ inches tall, about 8 to 9 inches long, and weighing only about 3 to 5 ounces. They are brown, with white bellies and thin tails. They carry their tails over their backs when they run – the white underside helps reflect the heat of the sun.

Habitat for the species is Joshua tree woodlands, creosote scrub, saltbush scrub and Mojave mixed woody scrub. They can sometimes be spotted perching in creosote bush basking in the sun, during mid-morning hours in April through June.

The Mohave ground squirrel’s natural predators include badgers, coyotes, snakes, falcons and hawks. They typically have a lifespan of five or more years in the wild.

It is extremely difficult for scientists to determine the population size of the Mohave ground squirrel, due to its elusive nature. The species is also inactive through much of the year. They feed on leaves and seeds from February to July, and then go into hibernation. The Mohave ground squirrel appears to control its population and food sources by refusing to mate when there are drought conditions. They will often hibernate early, sometimes as early as April, and wait until the next year to try again. This leads to near extinction in the areas with little or no rain, but the population seems to increase steadily after the rains return. However, an extended drought could be the death knell for this species.

Breeding occurs soon after they emerge from hibernation. The young are weaned and leave the nest after only about a month. Some young squirrels will make nests near their mother, but some male squirrels have been known to travel up to four miles to establish their own territory.

Unfortunately, there are many threats to the viability of this species. Its habitat is being degraded and destroyed by urban, suburban and rural development, agriculture/grazing, military activities, energy development, and OHV use. The good news is that many organizations and community leaders are working to protect the Mohave ground squirrel through various means, including administrative and legislative avenues, and stewardship projects aimed at restoring and rehabilitating habitat.

If we work to protect our desert lands that serve as habitat for the Mohave ground squirrel, the species has a much greater chance at surviving through these drought years and beyond.

Linda Castro is a nature enthusiast and animal lover. She is the Desert Field Organizer for the California Wilderness Coalition and serves on the board of the SCV-based Community Hiking Club. Her commentaries relate to California’s deserts.