rock squirrel

noun

1. a large, gray ground squirrel, Spermophilus variegatus, inhabiting rocky areas of the southwestern U.S.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rock squirrel¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Monument staff discovered a dead rock squirrel in the square kiva at the mission on July 11.

From Washington Times

That means that once plague has decimated one rodent species — say, the prairie dog — there are lots of other rodent species nearby it can jump to, like the rock squirrel.

From New York Times

But sometimes, visitors try to feed rock squirrels and end up getting bitten.

From Washington Post

Crates and barrels occupy one corner; another corner is given to a larger-than-life, fluffy white nylon incarnation of a Chinese rock squirrel.

From New York Times

Researchers in North America have found that California ground squirrels and rock squirrels have blood that has evolved to neutralise the specific toxins found in the venom of some rattlesnakes.

From BBC