Ground squirrels are well-adapted to
desert life, as they mainly reside in the desert regions of the southwestern United States, northeastern Baja California, and northwestern Mexico, specifically in the state of Sonora. They can stay active even on the hottest of days, although they do tend to limit their activity during the heat of the afternoon sun. They live underground in the winter, typically from late August or September until January or February. They go into
torpor, but do not
hibernate. Males are active first in late January as they start mating in March. Ground squirrels' activity cycle makes them not aggressive or competitive. Their main activities include caring for newborn, finding better protection for their resources, and reducing predation. They chase each other and nuzzle each other. These squirrels tend to be put on a prominent display, specifically by moving their tail back-and-forth horizontally. They also approach the predator and sometimes kick some dirt at the snake. ==Social structure==