Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which rodents have been used as food, fur sources, pets, or laboratory animals?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

black-tailed prairie dog — rodent Black-tailed prairie dog (*Cynomys ludovicianus*).

Rodents have long served various roles in human society, ranging from sources of sustenance and materials to subjects of scientific inquiry and companionship. While some species are considered pests, many others provide significant benefits to humans.1

Food Sources

Several rodent species are utilized as food through hunting and husbandry, including:
* Cavy
* Cane rat
* Bamboo rat
* Paca
* Capybara
* Woodchuck

Fur Sources

Certain rodents are valued for their pelts, which are used in the apparel industry. Notable examples include the nutria and the chinchilla, the latter of which is also raised on fur farms.12

Laboratory Animals

Rodents, particularly mice and rats, are essential in biomedical and genetic research. The brown rat is widely recognized as the first mammal domesticated for laboratory use.134

Pets

Many rodents are kept as household companions, valued for their temperament and ease of care. Popular pet species include the golden hamster, guinea pig, gerbil, and the fancy rat, which is a selectively bred, docile variety of the brown rat.14