Texas Antelope Ground Squirrel

In an area of ancient lava flow in New Mexico, I saw a new, cute, little critter running about on the black rocks:  the Texas antelope squirrel, Ammospermophilus interpres.  Despite its name, this species also lives in central New Mexico and northern Mexico, generally in rocky habitats near desert mountain ranges.  They seem to appreciate boulders close to junipers, yuccas, cacti and other shrubs, and they also eat insects. 

These nimble ground squirrels do not hibernate and are active during the day, even in summer.  If temperatures get too hot, they stretch themselves out on shady rocks with their legs splayed to cool off.   I saw three of these busy guys early in the cool morning at Valley of Fires, and this photo was snapped at the only moment I saw one of them be still.