Species MammalsCalifornia Pocket Mouse

California Pocket Mouse

Chaetodipus californicus

CommonMammal
Illustration of California Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus californicus)

The California Pocket Mouse is a spiny-haired pocket mouse of chaparral and coastal sage scrub habitats throughout California and Baja California. It has prominent spiny hairs on its rump that may deter predators attempting to grab it from behind. Like other chaetodipus mice, it enters short bouts of daily torpor during cold periods to conserve energy.

Habitat
Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and dry grasslands
Diet
Seeds, particularly grass seeds
How common
Common

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