The Mohave ground squirrel measures about nine inches from nose to tail and feeds on leaves and seeds from February to July.

Near the end of July, the squirrels begin a period of estivation, but this may occur as early as April in drought years.

[3] This squirrel inhabits the western Mojave Desert in portions of Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino counties.

Mohave ground squirrels emit a high-pitched "peep" as an alarm call, when startled or when young begin to emerge from their natal burrows.

Mohave ground squirrels can occasionally be sighted perched in Lycium cooperii or in Creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) during mid-morning (9-11 a.m.) hours (April–June) basking in the sun.