This ground-dwelling squirrel is common throughout much of southern and western Arizona. The only other ground squirrel in Arizona with a lateral white stripe is the White-tailed Antelope Squirrel found in Northern Arizona; it is also recognized by its large bushy tail the underside of which is black.

Usually found on rocky slopes, these squirrels are active all year during daylight hours, but less so during the coldest winter months.

At Organ Pipe National Monument I found Harris' Antelope Squirrels climb up an ocotillo that happened to be leaning against a saguaro cactus allowing them to feed on saguaro fruit.  In late April they will also climb out to the ends of ocotillo branches to get at the seeds.  Another favorite food are the big seeds found in a wild cucumber, Marah gilensis.