A small rodent endemic to western North American sagebrush ecosystems, characterized by its adaptation to arid and semi-arid habitats.
Primarily distributed in sagebrush steppe regions of western United States, including states like Oregon, Nevada, California, and Idaho, typically at elevations between 1,200-2,500 meters
Critical ecosystem engineer in sagebrush habitats, serving as prey for raptors and small carnivores, and contributing to seed dispersal and soil bioturbation