A burrowing mammal, the spotted ground squirrel will make tunnels to store its food, as well as shelter and hibernation quarters.

Coloration of the rest of its body varies greatly and can be different shades of brown, black, gray and white.

Its skull resembles that of the thirteen-lined ground squirrel, but is slightly broader in the interorbital and rostral regions.

Spotted ground squirrel burrows are usually found on short grass mesa's or along the banks of rivers.

The spotted ground squirrel can also display Insectivore like habits within its diet in the late summer by feeding on mainly Grasshopper larvae.

The spotted ground squirrel have 7 different alert postures used to warn others about likely predators in the area or to stake a territory claim against other males during mating seasons.