What is a Kangaroo Rat

Below is a transcription of the above sign found at the Valley of Fire Visitor Center.

Kangaroo Rat – Dipodomys deserti

HABITAT

Areas of soft earth, often located among roots of a desert shrub such as creosote or saltbrush.

SIZE/DESCRIPTION

12 to 14.5 inches (30 to 36 cm) long, including long tail tipped with white brush.

Large hind feet.

Color: yellow-buff, white underside

FOOD

Dry seeds

RANGE

Southern Nevada, southern California, southwestern Arizona

ADAPTATION FOR SURVIVAL

Nocturnal, avoids predators by being active only on dark nights.

Can survive totally on moisture derived from dry seeds.

Conserves moisture not by perspiring, and walls up den in daytime to keep humidity from escaping.

Capable of bounding 10 feet (3 to 4 m) or more in one jump, using rudderlike tail to change course abruptly.

Hopping is more energy efficient than running, and allows instant change in direction to escape predators.

COMMENTS

Strongly dislikes water or moisture on its fur.

Kangaroo rat has gland on upper back which produces an oil used to clean itself.

If too much oil is produced, the fur becomes matted and sticky, which the animal relieves by wallowing in sand to remove the excess oil.

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