GNAWING ANIMALS 



The Kangaroo Rat is very unlike the members of the 

 Mouse-and-Rat Family; and in temper no creature could be 

 more unlike the domestic rat. Unlike most mice and rats, 

 they do not bite when handled, but they are so delicate that 

 they do not live long in captivity, unless tended with ex- 



1 AND 2. KANGAROO RAT. 

 3. TYPICAL POCKET MOUSE. 



treme care and intelligence. They stand high on their hind 

 legs, like pygmy kangaroos, and hop about with their front 

 paws tucked up close under the chin, almost hidden by their 

 fur. The tail is very long, has a showy tuft of long hair on 

 the end, and is used by the animal in balancing itself when 

 in motion. The fur is soft, silky, rather long, and of a tawny- 

 brown color above. Length of head and body, 4J^ inches; 

 tail, 5% inches. The cheek-pouches are large, and are of 

 great use in carrying sand out of burrows. 



