A small rodent species endemic to western North America, characterized by its elongated tail and adaptability to diverse habitat conditions in montane and subalpine environments.
Primarily inhabits alpine meadows, subalpine grasslands, forest edges, and rocky terrain in mountainous regions of western United States and Canada, ranging from Alaska to California and eastward to Colorado
Critical seed disperser, prey species for multiple predators, contributes to ecosystem nutrient cycling through burrowing and foraging behaviors
