pale kangaroo mouse

The pale kangaroo mouse (M. pallidus) is one of two species of leaping, bipedal rodents found in the deserts of the western United States. These rodents have large ears, a large head with fur-lined cheek pouches, and short forelimbs. Their hind limbs and feet are long, with stiff hairs along the hind feet and densely furred soles.1

The pale kangaroo mouse has creamy buff upperparts and underparts, with a tail that is also creamy buff. They weigh between 10 to 17 grams and have a body length of about 7 to 8 cm, with a tail that is 6 to 10 cm long. The tail is used for balance and stores fat, which is used as an energy source during hibernation.1

Kangaroo mice live in sandy soils in the Great Basin region. They are nocturnal, obtaining water from their diet of seeds and insects, and do not need to drink. They hibernate from November to March. Kangaroo mice are not true mice but belong to the family Heteromyidae, related to kangaroo rats and pocket mice.12