They frequently descend to the ground by leaping. The tail, which is arched upward, serves as a counterbalance. They can jump down as much as 18 meters without injury. Females do not share territories. Territory size of females averages 4.5 acres, while males claim overlapping territories of 11 acres.
Larger territories increase breeding opportunities for males.
During estrous, the female descends to the ground and approaches the male. This contact is followed by tongue-clicking, hissing and swatting of the male, but the female usually allows the male to mount within ten minutes. Copulation lasts up to an hour and generally takes place on the ground. Often a semen plug is found. Oaks are the predominant tree species at the lower elevations while conifers are common at the higher elevations.