A small, agile rodent native to North America, characterized by its exceptional jumping abilities and long hind limbs adapted for locomotion through grassland and meadow environments.
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Ecology & Habitat
Habitat
Inhabits meadows, grasslands, forest edges, and wet prairie regions across northeastern and north-central North America, ranging from southeastern Canada to the northeastern United States.
Ecological Role
Critical seed dispersal agent, prey species for multiple predators, and indicator of grassland ecosystem health and biodiversity
Morphology
SKIN COATSoft fur, typically brown or grayish-brown dorsal coloration with lighter ventral surfaces, providing camouflage in grassland environments
LIMBS WINGSPowerful hind limbs enabling jumps up to 2-3 meters, disproportionately longer compared to forelimbs
HEAD SENSORYPointed snout, large dark eyes, prominent rounded ears adapted for auditory detection of predators
BODY STRUCTURESmall rodent, typically 14-19 cm total length, with body mass ranging 11-28 grams, characterized by elongated hind legs and short forelimbs
Data Source: TaxonHub Database
Image Credit: USFWS Mountain Prairie
