Species MammalsDesert Pocket Mouse

Desert Pocket Mouse

Chaetodipus penicillatus

CommonMammal
Illustration of Desert Pocket Mouse (Chaetodipus penicillatus)

The Desert Pocket Mouse is a pale, sandy-colored rodent of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts that remains active in summer but enters periodic torpor during the coldest winter months. Its rump hairs are somewhat spiny, intermediate between the smooth perognathus mice and the fully hispid chaetodipus species. A highly efficient seed-cacher, it can carry seeds in its cheek pouches across large distances.

Habitat
Sandy Sonoran and Chihuahuan desert flats and washes
Diet
Seeds, particularly grass seeds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Desert Pocket Mouse

The best time to see a Desert Pocket Mouse is April–July, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 171 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Desert Pocket Mouse? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Desert Pocket Mouse sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Desert Pocket Mouse? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Desert Pocket Mouse is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love mammals? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More mammals

Desert Woodrat
Desert Woodrat
Neotoma lepida
Desmarest's Spiny Pocket Mouse
Desmarest's Spiny Pocket Mouse
Heteromys desmarestianus
Diminutive Woodrat
Diminutive Woodrat
Nelsonia neotomodon
Douglas Squirrel
Douglas Squirrel
Tamiasciurus douglasii
Dusky Shrew
Dusky Shrew
Sorex monticolus
Dwarf Shrew
Dwarf Shrew
Sorex nanus
Dwarf Sperm Whale
Dwarf Sperm Whale
Kogia sima
Eastern Chipmunk
Eastern Chipmunk
Tamias striatus