A small rodent species native to western North America, characterized by its adaptability to diverse mountainous and grassland habitats.
Alpine and subalpine meadows, grasslands, and forest edges across western United States and southwestern Canada, ranging from sea level to approximately 3,500 meters elevation.
Critical component of mountain ecosystem food webs, serving as prey for predators like raptors, foxes, and small carnivores, and influencing vegetation dynamics through seed dispersal and grazing.
