Grand Canyon Rock Squirrels-South Rim

Grand Canyon Rock Squirrels are notoriously cute. People come from all over the world and take dozens of pictures of these cute, furry animals. The tourists love the Rock Squirrels because they seem to be so approachable, and they seem so safe to feed. WRONG!!! These little critters inflict more harm on tourists than the canyon does. The Rock Squirrels at Grand Canyon ruin vacations daily. How? They bite, and they bite hard. Rock Squirrels have the sharpest teeth of any animal in Grand Canyon and they are more than happy to spill your blood as they take food from your hands. Rock Squirrels are extremely bold. They will crawl into your lap, take your food, and bite you in the process. The Rock Squirrel carries disease, such as rabies and even bubonic plague. That's right, "The Black Death". Although cases are rare, the disease can be carried by fleas that are on the Rock Squirrels.

Why not enjoy the squirrels from a distance? They are very entertaining, but you do not need to feed them. Besides, if a National Park Service Ranger witnesses you feeding the animals, they do have the authority to lighten your wallet a bit with a fine. Although this seems to be reserved for repeat offenders. You will however, have to suffer the embarrassment of a verbal tongue lashing as you are scolded by the Ranger in front of the crowd that no doubt will gather. I have witnessed a few of these "scoldings" from NPS Rangers. The Rangers do not mind the crowd, the one receiving the "scolding" has different feelings afterwards...no doubt they will remember the encounter.

Keep your trip to the South Rim of Grand Canyon safe. Keep your fingers away from the Rock Squirrels as this is the only way you will be bitten by these critters. Take pictures instead of Rabies Shots.

Here is a short video on the dangers of Rock Squirrels at Grand Canyon.