Large rodent with bushy tail. Fur gray to reddish brown with white stomach, rarely all black or white. Active in the daytime, year round. Climbs readily and builds nests in trees. Eats berries, nuts, acorns and mushrooms. Caches food for later eating. Sometimes clears out caches and re-hides food in better places. Clever enough to fake hiding the food if it thinks it's being watched.