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Hangin' with Kangaroo Rats

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Just What is a Kangaroo Rat?

Kangaroo Rat? Now isn't that just the funniest name ever! It even seems a bit contradictory. When we think of a kangaroo we think of a tall mammal with a pouch that hops around on two feet and usually packs a pretty nasty punch.

When we think of a rat, we think of a medium sized rodent that runs really fast on all four feet and likes to eat at fairs. Although, I have heard rats pack a pretty nasty bite.

This is one of my daughters favorite "babies." I'm actually surprised that we don't have them painted all over our walls!




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Contents at a Glance

  1. Kangaroo Rats
  2. A Few Facts About Kangaroo Rats
  3. What Do You Think of the Kangaroo Rat?

Kangaroo Rats

Like the kangaroo, the Kangaroo Rat has pouches. His pouches are on his cheeks not his belly. His plump little body and long tail resemble a rat. Thus, a Kangaroo Rat.

These little creatures are extremely intelligent when it comes to survival. When there are seeds readily available to them, they will fill their little cheek pouches with food, run back to their burrows and create a little cache of food for later. Since they require no alternate water source, they can live quite comfortably this way.

They have excellent hearing and can jump up to 9 feet. Because of their acute senses coupled with their ability to leap so high, they can often avoid being harmed by many predators. Unfortunately, they are a desirable meal for many other animals.


Image from: www.ucalgary.ca/.../pictures/index.html

Kangaroo Rat with Cheeks Stuffed with Food

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A Few Facts About Kangaroo Rats

  • Length: 9 - 14 inches (including tail)

  • Weight: 1 - 6 ounces

  • Lifespan: up to 5 years

  • Their tail is longer than their head & body

  • They use their tails to balance on their tiny feet

  • There are 19 - 22 species of Kangaroo Rats (varies depending on source)

  • Kangaroo Rats convert the dry seeds they eat into water

  • Can survive in the desert with no water at all

  • Lives in Western & Southwestern US

  • Most Kangaroo Rat species are NOT ENDANGERED

  • Only the Giant Kangaroo Rat is ENDANGERED



    • Image from: Life.com
    adorable baby Kangaroo Rat video
    by kittycornersd | video info

    20 ratings | 15,610 views
    curated content from YouTube
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    A Person Holding a Kangaroo Rat That Sports a Miniature Cowboy Hat
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    What Do You Think of the Kangaroo Rat?

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    Moderated by Sylvestermouse
    Updated: 1/27/12



    Imformation sources for this lens include: www.desertusa.com

    Introduction Photo From: Image from: library.thinkquest.org/5135/kangrat.jpg

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