The larger of the island's two ground squirrels, and the one with **nine rows of squarish white
spots** down the back and a moderately bushy tail about two-fifths of total length. Averages roughly
300 mm long; males 227 to 330 g (NSRL). It was long treated as the Mexican ground squirrel,
Spermophilus mexicanus; a 2009 revision by Kristofer Helgen and colleagues moved the northern
population into the genus Ictidomys and recognised it as a separate species from the Mexican
ground squirrel proper (NSRL). In South Texas this species stays active year-round rather than
hibernating.
Observe responsibly
Wildlife, tides and access conditions change. Keep a respectful distance, do not feed wildlife, stay out of dunes and marked nesting areas, and use current official rules before fishing or handling any catch.