Ciscaucasian hamster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ciscaucasian hamster |
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| Mesocricetus raddei |
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The Ciscaucasian hamster (Mesocricetus raddei) is a type of rodent that belongs to the Cricetidae family. This family includes many small, furry creatures like hamsters, voles, and lemmings. The Ciscaucasian hamster is a wild animal found mainly in Russia and some parts of Devon. It's a fascinating creature that lives a hidden life underground.
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About the Ciscaucasian Hamster
Ciscaucasian hamsters are medium-sized rodents. They are known for their soft fur and short tails. These hamsters are usually a mix of brown and grey on their backs, with a lighter, often white, belly. They have small ears and big, dark eyes, which help them see in the dim light of dawn and dusk.
Where Do They Live?
These hamsters live in the Caucasus Mountains region, which is a mountain range between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea. They prefer dry, open areas like steppes and grasslands. They dig complex burrows underground. These burrows are like their homes, with different rooms for sleeping, storing food, and raising their young.
What Do They Eat?
Ciscaucasian hamsters are mostly herbivores, meaning they eat plants. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, grains, and roots. They are famous for their cheek pouches, which are like expandable bags inside their mouths. They use these pouches to carry large amounts of food back to their burrows. This stored food helps them survive during winter or when food is scarce.
Hamster Habits
These hamsters are mostly active during the evening and night, which means they are nocturnal or crepuscular animals. During the day, they stay safe in their burrows. They are known for being quite solitary, meaning they prefer to live alone rather than in groups. When winter comes, Ciscaucasian hamsters often go into a state called hibernation. This is like a deep sleep where their body temperature and heart rate drop, helping them save energy when food is hard to find.
More About Hamsters
Want to learn more about hamsters? Check out this article for kids: Hámster dorado del Cáucaso para niños
