"Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth?" Job 35:11
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. But its black and white stripes go only to its shoulders, whereas the chipmunk's stripes go to the tip of its nose.
The white tail is easily identified 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, as well as 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 head-first to the ground, never getting a scratch or prick from the sharp needles. How can it possibly do this? This ability is, of course, one of the special features given to it by its Creator, who wisely provides for every need of all and who "doeth great things and unsearchable; marvelous things without number." Job 5:9. Wherever we see the things He has created we must agree that they are "unsearchable and marvelous."
Like most other ground squirrels the white tail lives in the rocky foothills. It enjoys a happy family life and seems to be one of the truly happy desert residents. The entrance to its den is kept clean, and the well-shaped hole is always hidden under a boulder or the covering branches of a bush. It has other entrances, too, hidden and ready for any emergency, since rattlers, coyotes, hawks and many other enemies are constant threats to them.
In its underground den it builds a nest lined with feathers, grass and other soft materials. There are normally at least six babies and usually a dozen or more born each spring. These are nursed by their 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 games as they play together. But their 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. Then they soon make nests of their own where they have new families.
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." Psa. 33:5. Speaking of 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." Psa. 23:6.
Have you thanked Him for His goodness to you? He has promised that you, too, may live in His heavenly home for all eternity if you admit that you are a needy sinner and accept Him as your Savior.