Species MammalsSilky Pocket Mouse

Silky Pocket Mouse

Perognathus flavus

CommonMammal
Illustration of Silky Pocket Mouse (Perognathus flavus)

The Silky Pocket Mouse is one of the smallest heteromyid rodents, with particularly soft, silky fur and small external cheek pouches for carrying seeds. It enters torpor during cold weather, relying on cached seeds in its burrow for energy on warm winter days. This tiny mouse is a vital seed disperser in arid grasslands.

Habitat
Desert grasslands, sandy flats, and shortgrass prairies
Diet
Grass seeds and other small seeds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Silky Pocket Mouse

The best time to see a Silky Pocket Mouse is April–July, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 67 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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