The rock squirrel belongs to the ground squirrel family, but it can be seen climbing boulders, rocks, and trees. It is typically 17-21 inches long, with a tail length up to 8 inches—almost half the length of its body. Rock squirrels are grayish-brown, with some patches of cinnamon brown color. Zion's boulders and cliffs provide an ideal habitat for rock squirrels to build their homes in. They use large rocks as lookouts to scan for predators or other dangers, warning their kin with loud whistles or chirps that can be confused with bird calls.