Jewel # 368 (July 27, 2019)

White-Tailed Ground Squirrel

“And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I 

make up MY JEWELS.”

(Malachi 3:17)

To my dear Grandchildren

The White-Tailed Ground Squirrel

“Thou hast made . . . the earth, and all things that are therein . . . and Thou preservest then all. ”(Nehemiah 9:6)

Many kinds of ground squirrels are found in the desert.  Most of them are harmless and curious and fun to watch.  One of these is called the white tail or antelope chipmunk and is often mistaken for a true chipmunk.  It is identified by its black and white stripes ending at its shoulders, where as the chipmunk’s stripes go to the tip of its nose.

The white tail is easily recognized as it scampers along with its white-backed tail held over its back.  It spends all its time gathering seeds and nuts, stuffing them into its cheek pouches and then carrying this food to store in its den.  It also eats parts of cactus and yucca plants, beetles, crickets and other insects.

It is amazing to see the white tail climb a spine-covered cactus, stuff its pouches with seeds, turn around and go back down headfirst to the ground, never getting a scratch from those sharp needles.  How can it possibly do this?  This ability is, of course, one of the special features supplied by its Creator who wisely provides for every need and who "does great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number” (Job 5:9).    

Like most other ground squirrels, the white tail lives in the rocky foothills.  The entrance hole to its den is always hidden under a boulder or behind the covering of a bush.  Since rattlesnakes, coyotes and hawks are a constant threat, it has other hidden entrances that are ready for any emergency.

In its underground den, it builds a nest lined with feathers, grass and other soft materials.  There are usually a dozen or more babies born each spring.  These are nursed by the mother until they are strong enough for the outside world.  Once outside, the little ones are great fun to watch . . . so full of life and amusements as they play together.  But the mother keeps a sharp eye on them to see that they do not wander from her hidden shelter.  The family stays together until the young ones are big enough to care for themselves.

As part of the wonders of God’s creation, these little animals remind us that “the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord" (Psalm 33:5).  Referring to that goodness, the psalmist also said, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:6).

Have you thanked Him for His goodness to you?  He has promised that you may also live in His heavenly home for all eternity, but only if you willingly admit that you are a sinner in need of salvation and accept Him as your Saviour.

Love you all - Grandpa