A small rodent species endemic to northern boreal forests and tundra regions of North America and Eurasia, characterized by its distinctive reddish-brown dorsal coloration.
Boreal forest understory, taiga, alpine tundra, and subarctic regions with dense ground vegetation and cool, moist environments ranging from sea level to 3,500 meters elevation
Critical seed disperser, prey species for predators like owls and foxes, and plays significant role in forest floor ecosystem nutrient cycling
