A small nocturnal rodent endemic to western mountainous regions of North America, specialized in pinyon-juniper woodland ecosystems.
Primarily inhabits pinyon-juniper woodlands, rocky mountain slopes, and forest edges at elevations between 1,200-3,000 meters, ranging from western United States to northern Mexico.
Key seed disperser for pinyon pine forests, plays critical role in forest regeneration and ecosystem maintenance; serves as prey for various predators including owls, snakes, and small carnivores.