Mammals
Merriam's Kangaroo Rat
Dipodomys merriami · also called Merriams kangaroo rat
At dusk in a Southwestern desert, a Merriam’s kangaroo rat unplugs its burrow and hops out on its long hind legs, one of the most common small mammals of the dry country.
Overview
Merriam’s kangaroo rat, Dipodomys merriami, is a Least Concern rodent found across the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Its small size, burrow-plugging habit, and independence from drinking water make it one of the best-known desert rodents of North America.
Built for dry country
By sealing its burrow by day, hunting seeds at night, and living without drinking, Merriam’s kangaroo rat has turned the desert’s scarcity into a way of life.
Status
Least Concern, widespread and common across suitable desert habitat.
Merriam's Kangaroo Rat: common questions
Does Merriam's kangaroo rat need to drink water?
No, it gets the moisture it needs from the seeds it eats.
Why does Merriam's kangaroo rat plug its burrow?
Plugging the entrance during the day helps keep the air inside cooler and more humid.
Why does it take dust baths?
Rolling in dry sand or dust helps keep its fur in good condition.
Where is Merriam's kangaroo rat found?
It lives in desert habitat from California and Nevada east to Texas and south into northern Mexico.