Ord's Kangaroo Rat is the most widespread kangaroo rat in North America, with powerful hind legs and a long, tufted tail that enable it to leap up to six feet in a single bound to escape predators. Its kidneys are extraordinarily efficient, capable of producing urine five times more concentrated than humans, allowing it to survive without ever drinking water. Kangaroo rats produce most of their water metabolically from the seeds they eat.
Best time to see a Ord's Kangaroo Rat
The best time to see a Ord's Kangaroo Rat is April–August, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 444 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Ord's Kangaroo Rat? What animal is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Ord's Kangaroo Rat sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spot a Ord's Kangaroo Rat? 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 HuckGet an alert when a Ord's Kangaroo Rat 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.